Chargers Re-Sign Veteran Linebacker Denzel Perryman

The 33-year-old linebacker returns to Los Angeles on a 1-year contract.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:27pm

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The Los Angeles Chargers have re-signed veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman to a 1-year contract. Perryman, a 2015 second-round draft pick, previously played 6 seasons with the Chargers organization before stints with the Raiders and Texans. He is expected to start alongside Daiyan Henley in the Chargers' 3-4 defense.

Why it matters

Perryman's return provides continuity and experience to the Chargers' linebacker corps as they look to build on a promising 2025 season. His hard-hitting style and leadership will be valuable assets, though his injury history is a concern.

The details

Perryman, 33, is re-signing with the Chargers on a 1-year deal after playing 10 games (10 starts) for the team in 2025, recording 47 combined tackles and 3 pass deflections. He was originally drafted by the then-San Diego Chargers in 2015 and played 6 seasons with the organization before joining the Raiders in 2021, where he made his first Pro Bowl. After 2 years in Las Vegas, he spent 2023 with the Texans before returning to the Chargers in 2024.

  • Perryman was originally drafted by the Chargers in 2015.
  • He played 6 seasons with the Chargers organization from 2015-2020.
  • Perryman joined the Raiders in 2021 and made the Pro Bowl that season.
  • He spent 2023 with the Texans before returning to the Chargers in 2024.
  • In 2025, Perryman played and started 10 games for the Chargers.

The players

Denzel Perryman

A 33-year-old veteran linebacker who has played 11 NFL seasons, including 6 with the Chargers organization.

Daiyan Henley

A linebacker expected to start alongside Perryman in the Chargers' 3-4 defensive scheme.

Jim Harbaugh

The head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.

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What they’re saying

“Veteran LB Denzel Perryman is returning to the Chargers on 1-year deal, per his agent Ron Butler.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Chargers will look to Perryman to provide veteran leadership and stability at linebacker as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, where they may look to add more depth at the position.

The takeaway

Perryman's re-signing with the Chargers demonstrates the team's commitment to maintaining continuity on defense and leaning on experienced players like Perryman to anchor the linebacker corps. His return provides a boost of physicality and reliability, though his injury history remains a concern that the team will need to manage.