Chargers Daily Links: Denzel Perryman named top free agent bargain at LB

One of the Chargers’ free agents that isn’t getting talked about all that much so far this offseason has been linebacker Denzel Perryman. He’s coming off his best year in recent memory as a rotational player for the Bolts and, although he missed three games to injury, the impact on the team wasn’t nearly as large due them having the likes of Kenneth Murray, Nick Vigil, and Kyzir White.

After a spotty record of health involving 27 missed games since getting drafted in 2015, the Chargers aren’t likely to bring him back after investing a 2020 first-rounder at the position. Set to play elsewhere next season, some team is going to get a thumper in the middle of the defense on a relatively cheap price. That’s why Bleacher Report’s Chris Roling listed Perryman as the best free agent bargain at the linebacker position this offseason.

“Talk about linebackers on the open market tends to veer toward pass-rushers, yet centerfield thumbers can be major bargains too,” said Roling. Think, Denzel Perryman. The Los Angeles Chargers standout has been relatively healthy over the last two seasons after a bumpy start to his career. And last season over 13 games, he posted an 83.3 PFF grade while enforcing from the middle.

“Inside thumpers like Perryman don’t usually get paid, but he is coming off the best season of his career and is a known commodity as a two-down guy. The role hasn’t gone full-dinosaur like fullback, so a team in need will get a cheap investment with a guaranteed payoff.”

If Perryman finds himself in the right situation, he may end up giving the Chargers an extra day three-compensatory pick next year, but I wouldn’t exactly get your hopes up on it. It’s ok to be optimistic about the chance, but he’ll certainly have to play more than he did this past season for that to happen.

Now for today’s links.

Chargers News:

Free agent safety John Johnson III could see plenty of interest from the Chargers (Chargers Wire)

Alohi Gilman is giving back to his hometown (Chargers.com)

Should the Chargers pursue DeSean Jackson? (Bolt Beat)

Frank Smith joined the latest episode of the L.A. Football Podcast (L.A. Football Network)

NFL News:

The Eagles are releasing DeSean Jackson (ESPN)

Ranking the NFL’s 32 2020 rookie classes (ESPN+)

Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock draft (NFL.com)

Anthony Lynn likes what he’s seen from TE T.J, Hockenson (NFL.com)

Police cannot reach Xavien Howard, who was involved in a shooting at his agent’s house late last year (Pro Football Talk)

The best free agents at each position (Bleacher Report)