Nasir Adderley announced his retirement from football today. He cited several reasons, including his health and focusing on family, business ownership, and chasing true liberation.
Adderley was the 60th overall pick in 2019 and has been a starter for the last three seasons. He missed much of his rookie season due to a hamstring injury.
As of the end of the season, he was a free agent and it has been reported that the LA Chargers were not planning on bringing him back.
Adderley Retires From Football
The Chargers will have to set about replacing their perennial starting safety. Last season, Adderley played 882 snaps. That is the third most on defense and most among safeties, including Derwin James. While the Adderley news is unexpected, his loss isn’t. Regardless, it is a significant hit to the Chargers depth chart.
Possible Replacements For Adderley
Gilman was often who the Chargers turned to when they were unsatisfied with Adderley’s performance. His play wasn’t always worthy of the playing time, but the Chargers could be expecting a big jump in the offseason.
It has been reported that the Chargers have been in talks to sign the recently cut John Johnson. This would set up a reunion for he and Brandon Staley, who coached him in his year with the Rams.
Johnson had his best year in his time with Staley and two of his worst years have come since leaving LA. This should give the Chargers a big bump in their chances of signing him.
JT Woods is young and inexperienced, but he has exciting traits. Specifically, he is 6’2″ with sub 4.4 speed and a 39.5″ vertical. He may not be ready for prime time yet, but definitely deserves a chance to show what he can do for the Chargers
The Chargers Will Draft A Starting Safety
While there are other needs that supercede safety, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that the Chargers use one of thier three top 100 picks for that, especially if they don’t land John Johnson. Staley has also prioritized defense so far in free agency, its probable that he will continue that in the draft.