The Los Angeles Chargers could need some emergency help at the inside linebacker position.
Third-round pick Junior Colson has been placed on the team's NFI (non-football injury) list just as rookies have reported to training camp for the summer. This could be a wild overreaction, but if there is one position where the team just can't afford a huge loss, it is inside linebacker.
Chargers rookie LB Junior Colson was placed on the non-football illness listhttps://t.co/Jxldij9F4T pic.twitter.com/QjdfAXubah
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) July 17, 2024
Colson has already dealt with an injury and now whatever he is dealing with currently this offseason. Veteran Denzel Perryman was brought back as a free agent and Troy Dye was signed as a free agent as well. Beyond that the team has second-year player Daiyan Henley, who is unproven, and Nick Niemann.
The Bolts will need Colson to recover quickly because as a rookie, he can't afford to lose valuable reps in training camp and just expect to step right onto the field in Week 1.
As a result, the team may need to look at veteran options.
Linebackers Chargers could sign if Junior Colson misses time
Kwon Alexander
Looking at available players, there are slim pickings at this position. Kwon Alexander is a nine-year veteran and is still only 29 years old. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season but has played with four other teams, gaining experience in multiple systems.
Alexander has 631 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and nine interceptions for his career. He made the Pro Bowl in 2017 and led the league in tackles in 2016.
His best days are behind him but he could be a good rotational piece as an experienced player in this defense, one who would likely have plenty of confidence from Jim Harbaugh.
Zach Cunningham
Also 29 years old, Zach Cunningham played for the Philadelphia Eagles last season and put up a respectable 85 tackles and a fumble recovery in 13 games with the team.
A second-round pick in 2017, Cunningham led the NFL in tackles in 2020 and like Alexander, could be a great option off the bench.
Shaquille Leonard
If Shaquille Leonard has anything left to offer in the NFL, this is the guy Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz should call first if they determine they need to add more at this position.
Leonard also played with the Eagles last season as a late-season addition but didn't do enough to earn a future deal. The 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year has been to the Pro Bowl three times and has 637 career tackles, 16 sacks and 12 interceptions.
Leonard, or any of the other guys on this list, could give the Chargers 20-30 defensive snaps per week and make an impact.
