The Los Angeles Chargers defense looks to build on last season’s dominance as the number-one ranked scoring defense. The Chargers also aim to contend for the AFC West division title and make it further than the Wild Card. The good news is that they will have at least six defensive starters returning in 2025.
Highlighting one starter who will return for another season is their Pro Bowl veteran.
The Los Angeles Chargers LB is back, but coming off an injury
Denzel Perryman signed a one-year, $2.3 million deal during the last offseason, reuniting with the team after spending the previous three seasons away. Perryman had a solid inaugural season but battled injuries later in the year. He recorded 55 tackles, two TFLs, and one sack while posting six pressures, 24 stops, allowed 131 passing yards, and had a 60.8 PFF grade in 11 starts.
Perryman missed six of their last seven regular-season games with a groin injury. He then exited the first quarter of the Wild Card Round with a torn ligament in his left elbow. He signed a one-year, $2.655 million extension during the offseason.
The Pro Bowler shares a major injury update
During Tuesday’s press conference, via Alex Insdorf of Bolt Breakdowns, Denzel Perryman gave a major injury update. Perryman told the media that he was recently cleared from his left elbow injury and is 100%. As a result, he is expected to participate in voluntary organized team activities, which will begin next Tuesday.
Chargers LB Denzel Perryman says he’s “100%” and cleared from his elbow injury in the Texans playoff game. pic.twitter.com/pMWb4hYaw9
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) May 20, 2025
He will compete for a starting spot against a young competitor
Denzel Perryman will compete against Junior Colson for the starting number two linebacker position this offseason. Colson’s rookie year was marred by injuries, including missing OTAs with an undisclosed injury, as well as the beginning of training camp, to undergo an appendectomy, missing Weeks 3-4 with a hamstring injury, and spending Weeks 10-13 on injured reserve with an ankle injury. He recorded 29 tackles and one pass deflection in 11 games and one start.
Now that Colson is healthy and ready to compete, he has a real shot at starting in Year 2.
