News: Los Angeles Chargers Re-Sign LB Denzel Perryman

The Los Angeles Chargers and veteran LB Denzel Perryman have agreed to a one-year deal, keeping the former second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft with the team that drafted him, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The 33-year-old is set to enter his 12th NFL season and his ninth with the Bolts.

Perryman recorded 47 tackles (30 solo), six stuffs and three passes broken up across 338 total snaps in 2025, while posting a 68.4 run-defense grade that ranked 41st out of 88 qualifying linebackers, according to Pro Football Focus.

He made 10 starts for the Chargers after missing five games on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain suffered in the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. Perryman was also handed a two-game suspension by the NFL in late December for repeated violations of safety rules—his second career suspension.

The former Pro Bowler also started 11 games for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, recording 55 tackles (39 solo), one sack and 2.5 stuffs on 343 total snaps. Entering the league as a collegiate star out of the University of Miami, Perryman spent the first six seasons of his career with the Bolts, logging 51 starts before joining the Las Vegas Raiders for two seasons—recording a career-high 154 tackles in 2021—and the Houston Texans for one season before returning to Los Angeles.

While his age may suggest otherwise, Perryman remains an impactful player and likely would have left a noticeable void in the Chargers defense had he chosen to sign elsewhere. Having an established, savvy linebacker who brings experience and a physical presence is valuable for first-time NFL defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary. Perryman’s familiarity with the organization, along with his ability to stop the run, should help provide stability for the defense as Los Angeles continues to prepare for the upcoming season.

A team captain, retaining Perryman’s voice was just as big a priority for Los Angeles as what he brings on the field. With the Chargers expected to roll into the season with largely the same primary linebacker corps as last year, the veteran is likely to be relied upon in a similar role. Furthermore, if Los Angeles selects a linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft, Perryman is the type of leader you want mentoring young talent.

Los Angeles still has decisions to make on several other veterans, including wide receiver Keenan Allen, safety Tony Jefferson, defensive end Da'Shawn Hand and quarterback Trey Lance, who served as a valuable backup option behind franchise quarterback Justin Herbert.