Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman was arrested on felony weapons charges following a traffic stop in South Los Angeles on the night of August 1, 2025. Law enforcement discovered five firearms in Perryman’s vehicle, including two assault-style rifles, leading to his immediate arrest and detention without bail. The incident has raised concerns within the team as it unfolds amid a period of roster adjustments and organizational changes.

Deputies from the South Los Angeles Station stopped Perryman at approximately 9:30 p.m., citing vehicle code violations. During the stop, officers found the weapons and took Perryman into custody. He cooperated fully with authorities and is scheduled to appear in Inglewood Court on August 5, 2025.

Perryman’s agent issued a statement regarding the arrest, expressing confidence that the situation will be resolved legally and fairly:

“We are aware of the recent reports regarding Denzel Perryman’s arrest in Los Angeles. At this time, we are still gathering facts and will fully cooperate with the process. Denzel is a respected veteran in the NFL and a dedicated father, teammate, and professional. While we do not take this situation lightly, we remain confident that the matter will be resolved fairly and in accordance with the law. Out of respect for the process and all parties involved, we will have no further comment at this time.”

—Ian Rapoport, agent

Chargers Build Momentum with Rising Players During Preseason Games

While the Chargers face the fallout of Perryman’s arrest, some younger players are making positive impressions in training camp and preseason games. Cornerback Nikko Reed, previously undrafted, stood out with a strong performance during the recent Hall of Fame Game, catching the attention of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh and suggesting he is pushing hard to secure a spot on the roster.

Harbaugh emphasized the progress made by several players across the team, praising their development in practice and game situations. He remarked,

“We’ve got a lot of ascending players who have been ascending in practice, and I couldn’t wait to see them play in a real game.”

He further added,

“Nikko Reed has been battling, working through things all camp, and he continues to work through them and play good. Give Joe Hortiz a ton of credit. I just felt like we’re getting better at every position group, and that depth was good. Showed tonight.”

—Jim Harbaugh, Chargers Head Coach

Chiefs Focus on Player Recovery and Development as Season Approaches

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for the upcoming NFL season with cautious optimism, particularly regarding their players’ health and growth. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes discussed the recovery of wide receiver Rashee Rice, noting that Rice’s dedication to rehabilitation has put him on a firm path toward contributing effectively this season.

Mahomes shared,

“Yeah, I mean you saw it at the beginning of last year with him (Rashee Rice) being in the full training camp and another year of us and our communication; it was going off to a very hot start, but he attacked the rehab process now and has came back ready to go.”

He continued,

“And so had a good first day today; we’ll continue to work, continue to get better and better, and he’ll evolve his game to be ever better than he was at the beginning of last year.”

—Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Quarterback

Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy also commented on first-round left tackle Josh Simmons, noting some areas needing improvement but positivity toward Simmons’s strength and potential. Nagy stated,

“The sky’s the limit for him.”

—Matt Nagy, Chiefs Offensive Coordinator

Pete Carroll Returns to NFL as Raiders Head Coach After Year Away

This offseason, Pete Carroll made a notable return to the NFL by signing with the Las Vegas Raiders as their head coach. Carroll’s new role marks a significant shift, as he had spent his entire NFL head coaching career with the Seattle Seahawks from 2010 to 2023. Reflecting on his time away from coaching, Carroll acknowledged the importance of stepping back to reassess and regain perspective before resuming his career.

Carroll explained,

“I had to let the dust settle a little bit and get a feel for what that was like being out (of the league). Once that cleared, the pursuit of the passion was too obvious.”

—Pete Carroll, Raiders Head Coach

Despite the break, Carroll emphasized that his coaching philosophy has remained consistent, citing his early days coaching at the University of the Pacific in 1973 as foundational to his approach.

“I only know one way to do it,”

he said.

“I’m not doing anything different than I did when I was coaching at (Pacific) a million years ago. I’m just having fun coaching and making sure I affect as many people as I can. … I can’t ask them to go if I’m not going, so I bring it every day.”

—Pete Carroll

Carroll also touched on his drive to keep competing rather than retire, underscoring his ongoing passion for the game as the motivation behind his return. He remarked,

“You’re either competing or you’re not. I just like battling. I like competing. That’s exactly what it is. The passion was alive and well. In chasing it, we wound up here with the Raiders.”

—Pete Carroll

Significance of Perryman’s Arrest and Team Dynamics Moving Forward

The arrest of Denzel Perryman on serious weapons charges comes at a fragile time for the Chargers, who are balancing the development of emerging talent with the turbulence of off-field legal matters. Perryman’s veteran presence and leadership on defense add to the weight of the situation, as the team must respond to these charges through internal and external protocols.

With Perryman currently held without bail, the Chargers face uncertainty about his availability and impact as the season approaches. His court appearance will be closely followed, and the legal outcome could influence the team’s roster and public image. Meanwhile, Chargers coaches are working to maintain focus and momentum through reinvigorated player performances and strategic preparation.

Across the league, notable transitions such as Pete Carroll’s return to coaching and the Chiefs’ player progress highlight continued shifts in NFL leadership and roster strength, setting the stage for a dynamic and unpredictable season ahead.