Former Chargers Cornerback Signs with Bengals

Ja'Sir Taylor, a sixth-round draft pick, joins Cincinnati after 4 seasons in Los Angeles.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:33pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of blue, yellow, and orange representing the Chargers and Bengals uniforms. The image conveys a sense of defensive action and transition.The departure of two former Chargers cornerbacks leaves the team's secondary in flux, requiring creative solutions to maintain their defensive success.Los Angeles Today

Ja'Sir Taylor, a former sixth-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Chargers, has signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. Taylor spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Chargers before being traded to the New York Jets last year.

Why it matters

The loss of Taylor and fellow former Chargers cornerback Benjamin St-Juste this offseason leaves the Chargers' secondary with some depth concerns heading into the 2026 season. New defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary will need to address the cornerback position, either through the draft or free agency, to maintain the high level of pass defense the team had in 2025.

The details

During his time with the Chargers, Taylor played in 57 games, starting 11, and recorded 1 interception, 11 pass deflections, and 84 tackles. He was traded to the Jets in 2028 for a seventh-round pick. Now with the Bengals, Taylor will look to revive his career in the AFC North.

  • Ja'Sir Taylor was drafted by the Chargers in the 6th round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • Taylor spent 4 seasons with the Chargers from 2025-2028.
  • Taylor was traded to the Jets in 2028 for a 7th-round pick in the 2028 NFL Draft.
  • On April 2, 2026, Taylor signed a 1-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The players

Ja'Sir Taylor

A former 6th-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Chargers who spent the first 4 seasons of his NFL career with the team before being traded to the New York Jets in 2028. He has now signed a 1-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Benjamin St-Juste

A former cornerback for the Los Angeles Chargers who signed with the Green Bay Packers on a 2-year, $10 million deal this offseason after spending 1 season with the Bolts.

Chris O'Leary

The new defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, taking over for Jesse Minter who had the Chargers' defense playing at a high level in 2025.

Tarheeb Still

Expected to be a starting cornerback for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2026.

Cam Hart

Expected to be a starting cornerback for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2026.

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What’s next

The Chargers will need to address the cornerback position, either through the draft or free agency, to maintain the high level of pass defense the team had in 2025.

The takeaway

The departures of Ja'Sir Taylor and Benjamin St-Juste leave the Chargers' secondary with some depth concerns heading into the 2026 season. New defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary will need to find ways to bolster the cornerback position to keep the defense performing at a high level.