Chargers LB Denzel Perryman Suspended Two Games for Repeated Safety Violations
Veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman is facing a two-game suspension without pay after multiple violations of the NFL’s player safety rules, the league announced. The latest incident came during the Chargers’ matchup against the Cowboys, when Perryman delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit that crossed the line - and drew more than just a penalty flag.
According to the NFL’s statement, the play in question occurred in the second quarter. Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy had just completed a catch and was already on the ground when Perryman came in with a forcible blow to the helmet. That hit violated Rule 12, Section 2, Article 10(b) of the rulebook, which strictly prohibits using any part of the helmet or facemask to make forcible contact with an opponent’s head or neck area - especially when the player is in a defenseless posture.
This isn't Perryman’s first run-in with the league’s safety policies, and the repeat nature of the infractions played a significant role in the length of the suspension. The NFL has made it clear in recent years that it’s taking player safety seriously - and this move underscores that commitment.
Now 33 years old, Perryman has been a hard-hitting presence since entering the league as a second-round pick by the Chargers back in 2015. Known for his physicality and downhill style, he’s carved out a solid career as a run-stopping middle linebacker, bouncing around the league but always bringing the same aggressive edge.
After finishing his rookie deal - a four-year, $4.776 million contract - Perryman re-upped with the Chargers in 2019 on a two-year, $12 million extension. That deal was later restructured to pay him up to $6.487 million for the 2020 season.
In 2021, he signed a two-year, $6 million contract with the Panthers, but never suited up for them. Instead, he was traded to the Raiders in exchange for a 2022 sixth-round pick, where he found new life and continued to produce.
Following the end of that stint, Perryman joined the Texans as an unrestricted free agent before circling back to Los Angeles on a one-year deal ahead of the 2025 season.
This year, he’s appeared in 10 games for the Chargers, tallying 47 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and three passes defended - solid numbers that reflect his continued impact on the field despite his age. But this latest suspension raises questions not just about his availability, but about how his physical playing style fits into the modern NFL’s evolving safety standards.
For the Chargers, the loss of Perryman for two games is more than just a roster hit - it’s the absence of a veteran voice in the middle of the defense. With playoff implications looming, his absence will be felt both in the locker room and on the field.
The league’s message is clear: no matter your experience or résumé, player safety comes first. And for Perryman, it’s a reminder that even for a throwback linebacker, the rules of engagement have changed.