The Los Angeles Chargers signed their first free agent of the year and it is an important one. According to Ian Rapoport, The Chargers agree to terms on a 3-year contract with safety Elijah Molden. Locking it in for the future.
Molden was acquired just a week prior to the 2024 regular season proved to be a shrewd move, costing them only a 2026 seventh-round draft pick.
Los Angeles Chargers Sign Elijah Molden to 3-Year Deal
Molden’s performance validated the trade, as he played a career-high 761 snaps, despite being placed on injured reserve after Week 17 due to a broken fibula. His 76.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) also marked a career-best. Among 98 qualifying safeties, Molden’s PFF overall grade ranked 16th, and his 75.4 PFF coverage grade placed him 14th.
He also excelled in limiting opposing quarterbacks’ effectiveness, ranking fourth among safeties in passer rating allowed (44.9). While Molden may not possess the same versatility as some other safeties, his ability to excel in a defined role as a deep safety makes him a valuable asset.
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For as good as Molden was for Jesse Minter’s first-year defense, it was what he allowed Derwin James to do. James hit career highs in the slot, in the box, and along the defensive line. James’s top ability is his versatility. With Molden on the roster, it ensures the Chargers will have a quality player alongside the All-Pro safety.
The Chargers’ swift decision to re-sign Elijah Molden signals not only a strong commitment to his future with the team but the aggressiveness they plan to bring to this offseason. A broken fibula is a significant injury, and by making this move early in the process, the Chargers are demonstrating their confidence in Molden’s ability to recover fully and return to his previous level of performance.