NFL free agency has not yet begun and the LA Chargers are already making moves. After trading for Elijah Molden right before the start of the 2024 season, the Chargers have officially signed the safety to a new three-year contract, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The former Tennessee Titans safety played a pivotal role on defensive coordinator Jesse Minter's defense in 2024. Minter primarily used star safety Derwin James at nickel corner, which was made possible by Molden and Alohi Gilman playing a majority of the snaps at safety.
Molden's impact was felt as the Chargers' safety room battled adversity with several injuries sidelining players throughout the season. Unfortunately, Molden joined the list of injured Chargers safeties when he suffered a broken fibula against the New England Patriots in Week 17.
Chargers re-sign standout safety Elijah Molden
Per Rapoport, Molden's deal is for $18.75 million over three years with $13.5 million guaranteed. Molden's average annual salary is $6.25 million, which will likely put his 2025 cap hit in the $5 million range.
The Chargers wasting no time re-signing Molden is a good sign for the future. A broken fibula is no joke, and with this early move, the Chargers are showing full faith in the safety to get healthy and return to form.
Molden finished the 2024 season with a 75.6 Pro Football Focus grade and 75.4 coverage grade. The versatile defensive back played most of his snaps at free safety, 599, but also played 109 snaps in the box and 47 snaps at slot corner.
Tarheeb Still was the only player on the Chargers to finish with more interceptions (four) than Molden's three last season. In addition to his three interceptions, Molden recorded seven pass break-ups, two fumble recoveries, 75 combined tackles and two tackles for loss.
The Chargers' safety room is now set for the 2025 season with the front office just needing to figure out the depth pieces. Molden and Gilman will act as the two primary "starting" safeties with James getting snaps at nickel corner.
In instances where James is playing deep safety, Molden could either play in the box or may play alongside James with Gilman off the field. Retaining Molden opens various doors for Minter, which will only elevate the entire defense as a result.
Molden is the first of what will likely be several Chargers free agents who re-sign with the team this offseason. Head coach Jim Harbaugh built a culture in 2024 that talented players want to be a part of. Molden is no exception.