The Los Angeles Chargers today agreed to terms with linebacker Denzel Perryman.
A former second-round pick of the Chargers in the 2015 NFL Draft (48th overall), Perryman made his return to the Bolts in 2024 after spending time with the Raiders and Texans during the 2021-23 seasons. In his time back with the Bolts, Perryman has continued to be one of the hardest-hitting linebackers in the NFL, totaling 102 tackles (69 solo), a sack, six tackles for loss and three passes defensed. Perryman has been a mainstay on one of the NFL's top defenses, allowing only 18.9 points per game, good for No. 3 in the NFL since 2024.
With the Chargers, Perryman has started 72-of-90 regular-season games played, totaling 451 tackles (319 solo), 32 tackles for loss, six sacks, three interceptions, nine pass breakups, three forced fumbles and a recovery. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week in 2016 after he picked off a pass in the fourth quarter to set up a game-tying field goal before posting a tackle for loss on fourth down in overtime to force a turnover.
After his first stint with the Chargers, Perryman played two seasons in Las Vegas (2021-22), earning a Pro Bowl selection following his first season with the Raiders. That year, he ranked sixth in the NFL with 154 tackles and tied for No. 3 among all defenders with 102 solo stops, both setting career highs. For his career, Perryman has started 109-of-129 career regular-season games, totaling 764 tackles (520 solo), 7.5 sacks, five interceptions, 57 tackles for loss, 17 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and three recoveries.
Perryman was a two-time first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection at the University of Miami, playing four seasons for the Hurricanes (2011-14). As a senior, he was a finalist for the Butkus Award, which annually recognizes the top linebacker in college football, and also was named an Associated Press third-team All-American. He totaled 351 tackles at Miami, leading the team as a senior (110) and junior (108). Perryman added 4.5 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions in his 47 career games (37 starts).