The Los Angeles Chargers are continuing to focus on as many in-house defensive free agents that they can and have decided to bring back veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman for at least one more season. On Wednesday, he agreed to a one-year, $3.65 million deal.
Earlier in the day, the Chargers also brought back Troy Dye shortly after Nick Niemann signed a free-agent deal with the Houston Texans. The Chargers wanted to keep their inside linebacker corps intact and provide as much insurance for second-year player Junior Colson as they could, so this deal makes sense for that reason.
Perryman will likely have to settle on being a backup at this stage in his career but he’s still tremendous in run support and the Chargers know they can call on him in a pinch.
Originally a second-round pick of the Chargers in 2015, Perryman will now be in his second season in his second stint with the team. He has over 700 career tackles and 7.5 sacks. His veteran presence alone is a big reason why Jim Harbaugh and company wanted him back.
The Chargers could still add a young prospect at the inside linebacker position in the draft but at least for now, the team can probably focus on other positions as it navigates through free agency.