Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Logan Farlow

2024 NFL free agency: LB Denzel Perryman signs with Chargers

In every offseason, there are inevitable departures.

The Houston Texans have their starting linebackers in Christian Harris and free-agent signing Azeez Al-Shaair but lost some depth when Denzel Perryman signed with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The veteran linebacker signed a one-year deal with the Chargers, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

Perryman, 31, began his NFL career with the Chargers in San Diego and stayed on the team when they moved to Los Angeles. He played six seasons for the Chargers as the primary starter but dealt with a rash of injuries.

Perryman stayed in the AFC West after his six seasons in LA to join the Las Vegas Raiders. His first year in Vegas was the best of his career, as he posted 154 combined tackles. In 2021, Perryman earned Pro Bowl honors. 

Perryman joined the Texans after two seasons in Las Vegas. He started 13 games, including the two postseason contests. Perryman recorded 76 tackles, six tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and three passes defensed.

Injuries kept Perryman out in Weeks 3, 4 and 6. The NFL suspended Perryman for three games without pay for repeated player safety rules violations as well. A head-to-head hit in Week 2 earned Perryman a fine. Perryman successfully appealed the three-game suspension, reducing it to two games.

In Perryman’s absence, Harris and former Texans linebacker Blake Cashman emerged as quality starting options. Perryman embraced a mentor role and helped the two young backers produce career-best seasons. 

Perryman returns to Los Angeles under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh. Like Houston a season ago, the Chargers need Perryman’s veteran presence to stabilize the franchise. 

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.