Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman has been the man in the middle of the defense for the past few seasons. However, 2020 could mark his last in the blue and gold.
Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton named a member of each franchise in the league whose job could be in jeopardy this upcoming season, and Perryman was listed for Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Chargers have a deep linebacker unit with multiple players capable of handling decent workloads. While that’s a positive for the team, Denzel Perryman may lose significant snaps.
In 2019, Perryman lined up for just 358 defensive plays, partially because of a knee injury, which is a common theme throughout his five-year career. The veteran linebacker has missed 24 games since entering the league.
Last season, Drue Tranquill played 380 defensive snaps. Kyzir White, who has the versatility to line up in different spots across the second level of the defense, logged 372 snaps. The Chargers traded up to select linebacker Kenneth Murray with the No. 23 overall pick.
At 6’2″, 241 pounds, Murray can man the middle, as he did at Oklahoma, or line up on the outside.
With all the talent at linebacker and Perryman’s extensive injury history, his job security seems a bit shaky.
The Chargers took a huge leap in the 2020 NFL Draft, trading up 14 spots to select linebacker Kenneth Murray.
The selection of Murray all but signified that Los Angeles sees a bright future with the tandem between the rookie out of Oklahoma and former fourth-round pick Drue Tranquill.
With the emergence of Tranquill last season, Perryman’s playing time decreased as the weeks went on even after managing to stay healthy for nearly the full 16-game slate.
However, the early draft pick used on Murray solidified how the coaching staff feels about the position group moving forward.
This season, Perryman may start, but Tranquill will come onto the field in passing situations. Eventually, the team’s goal could be to make Tranquill and Murray the permanent starters.
2020 also marks the final year of Perryman’s contract, and knowing L.A. will have some notable free agents like defensive ends Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, wide receiver Keenan Allen and tight end Hunter Henry, the former Miami product may be the odd man out.
