There is debate around whether the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense includes a top 10 linebacker, but former Charger linebacker Manti Te’o strongly believes that Denzel Perryman deserves that distinction. Perryman, currently on the Chargers roster, caught Te’o’s attention as one of the league’s best linebackers due to his playing style and impact on the field.
Te’o, who was a second-round pick in 2013 and spent four seasons with the Chargers, knows the position well. Across his NFL career, which also included time with the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears before retiring, Te’o accumulated 221 tackles and multiple key defensive plays. His firsthand experience contributes to his confidence in ranking Perryman as the No. 9 linebacker in the league.
Perryman’s Playing Style and Career Impact
Te’o praised Perryman’s ability to anticipate plays and react explosively at the snap, comparing his style to Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, noting that both athletes had celebrated college careers at the University of Miami. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Perryman demonstrated his skill during a healthy 2021 season with the Las Vegas Raiders. That year, he recorded 154 tackles and earned a Pro Bowl selection, underscoring his potential when at full strength.
“My Chargers teammate for two seasons (2015 and ’16), Perryman has an uncanny ability to sit while the ball is snapped, then shoot out of a cannon and meet the ball in the backfield. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Ray Lewis played the same way; both enjoyed decorated college careers at Miami. Perryman is entering his 11th NFL season and has been an underrated player for much of his career, partially due to a lengthy injury history. In his healthiest season in 2021, he logged 154 tackles and made the Pro Bowl with the Raiders. When his body’s right, Perryman is a reliable, hard-nosed, hard-hitting defender.”
—Manti Te’o, Former Linebacker, Los Angeles Chargers
Outlook for Perryman and the Chargers’ Defense in 2025
Last season, Perryman contributed solidly for the Chargers when healthy, tallying 55 tackles, one sack, and two tackles for loss over 11 games. If Perryman can maintain his health through the 2025 season, the Chargers’ defense has the potential to significantly improve. His presence and toughness could be a key factor in bolstering the team’s defensive front and elevating overall performance.
With Te’o’s endorsement and Perryman’s on-field capabilities, the Chargers could see their defense become a standout unit in the coming year as they aim for greater success in the NFL.