The Chargers are projected to get some reinforcements this week vs. the Texans. Yesterday, HC Jim Harbaugh announced that they would open up the return from IR windows for both TE David Njoku and LB Denzel Perryman. Njoku has been sidelined since Week 2 with a fibula injury while Perryman's injury was never disclosed. Perryman started the season on IR and has not played in a game this year.
The vet linebacker's presence will presumably help the depth of the LB room. Ultimately, Del'Shawn Phillips and the rest of the group behind Daiyan Henley have performed well in Perryman's absence. Perryman turns 34 in December as he finishes out a one-year deal with the Chargers.
Could Chargers LB Denzel Perryman be a trade deadline candidate if GM Joe Hortiz opts to sell?
If Perryman is activated this week and returns from IR, he'd rejoin the team right before Tuesday's trade deadline. Perryman's name was listed by NFL insider Tom Pelissero in a group of 10 Chargers players to watch prior to the deadline. If GM Joe Hortiz does decide to sell, the University of Miami product could become an interesting expiring contract for another team that needs linebacker help.
From a draft capital perspective, it goes without saying that you're not getting much back for a 34-year-old linebacker that was just on IR. Perhaps the Chargers could get a seventh-round pick or a 7th/6th round pick swap. But it would at least be another asset to add to the 2027 or 2028 cupboard. The Chargers currently have eight projected draft picks in 2027 with four day 3 selections.
It's also about what Perryman's long term future with the team is. With proven depth like Marlowe Wax and Phillips, do the Chargers want to bring the vet LB back? He could be had for another season at a rather cheap rate. But Perryman has now missed 20 of 41 games for Los Angeles due to injury/suspension since returning the organization in 2024. While he's remained a stout run defender on film, his availability will likely be less reliable as he ages.
At the same time, both LBs Daiyan Henley and Troy Dye will be free agents along with Perryman this offseason. Is there a chance the Chargers would keep Perryman for insurance?
If the Chargers are eventually willing to part ways with Mack via trade, they should also explore vet options like Perryman or CB Donte Jackson on the market. Any player that isn't viewed as a long-term piece should be considered to get back some draft pick compensation. We'll see whether Hortiz breaks on his stance of not taking trade calls by Tuesday of next week.
With the season quickly falling apart for the Chargers, it brings up the question of what purpose Perryman would serve the team in what could be his final season in LA. If the Chargers can get anything back for the oft-injured vet linebacker, they should attempt to make a trade happen.
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