One of the Chargers' most important defensive players is expected to explore his options in free agency.
Linebacker Denzel Perryman plans to test the free agent market, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday, per Perryman's agent Ron Butler.
Perryman, an unrestricted free agent this offseason, has not ruled out a return to L.A., Rapoport added. The 28-year-old played in 13 games (six starts) in 2020, compiling 48 tackles -- his fewest since 2017 -- and one sack.
After playing 26 games his first two seasons, Perryman was bitten by the injury bug in Years 3 and 4, limiting him to 16 combined appearances. Despite dealing with several setbacks, Perryman earned a two-year, $12 million extension in 2019.
It stands to wonder where the hard-hitting veteran fits in L.A. long-term considering his injury history and the presence of standout linebackers Kenneth Murray, the 23rd overall pick in 2020, and 2019 fourth-rounder Drue Tranquill, who will return after suffering a season-ending broken ankle in Week 1.
Perryman has ranked amongst the top tacklers on the Chargers' roster since being selected in the second round out of Miami in 2015. He's finished third, third, 12th, sixth, third and eighth on the team in tackles, respectively, over the past six seasons.
