The Chargers have brought in another name with first-round pedigree, signing cornerback Kaiir Elam to their practice squad.
It’s a fresh chance for Elam, whose NFL path has not gone the way many expected when he entered the league with so much hype. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the move, and it gives the former top pick another place to try to rebuild momentum and show the kind of player people thought he could become coming out of college.
Elam spent a few years with the Bills before moving on to the Cowboys and Chiefs, a run that says plenty about where his career stands right now. The upside has always been part of the conversation. The harder part has been turning that promise into something stable at the pro level.
For the Chargers, the appeal is obvious. Their cornerback room has talent, but it isn’t exactly overflowing with options.
Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart are two young corners with plenty of potential, while Donte Jackson brings valuable NFL experience to the group and consistent eliteness. There’s depth behind them, but not a huge pile of proven answers.
That opens the door for Elam. He’s not walking into a crowded room with no path forward. Even if this starts on the practice squad, the Chargers could wind up needing help at corner during the season, whether because of injuries, roster movement, or a simple need for more bodies.
With the Chargers being known for having the injury bug, they cannot afford to lose a legit defensive player without having a backup plan. This could be a great piece if all else fails, and could become something more special.
With two corner backs on the practice squad now, the Bolts can focus on other position groups with more of a need.
In Other News...
Chargers Practice Squad Shuffle Brings In Some Very Familiar Names
The Chargers roster work for 2026 didnt stop at the 53-man deadline. After trimming down the active group, the team turned to the practice squad and added a mix of developmental depth and one especially familiar name, signing tight end Patrick Herbert, the younger brother of quarterback Justin Herbert, along with cornerback Kaiir Elam, wide receiver Theo Wease and defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson.
It also meant a few familiar faces moved out of the picture, with cornerback Isas Waxter, wide receiver Devonte Ross and defensive lineman Jahmeer Carter all released from the practice squad. For a Chargers team trying to keep as much quality depth around its quarterback as possible, the family connection attached to Herberts latest addition is the kind of detail that will keep getting attention as the week unfolds. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Add Another Mike McDaniel Connection Fans Should Keep An Eye On
After trimming to their Week 1 roster, the Chargers have added another familiar name to the mix by signing wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. to the practice squad. Wease comes in as an undrafted free agent from 2025 and gives Los Angeles another body in a receiver room that can never really have too much depth once the regular season starts.
Wease also brings a small but notable connection to Mike McDaniels orbit, having spent time with the Miami Dolphins under the offensive coordinator before landing in Los Angeles. He got into one game last season and found the end zone, a reminder that even a practice squad addition can carry a little upside if the right opening comes along. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Suddenly Have A Week 1 Problem At Linebacker
Denzel Perrymans season-opening trip to injured reserve leaves the Chargers with an early-season hole to sort out at linebacker, and it comes at a time when Jim Harbaugh is still trying to settle roles across the roster. Perryman will miss at least four games, and Harbaugh said the return timeline will hinge on how his rehab goes, which only adds another layer of uncertainty to a position group that now needs a starter by default.
Los Angeles does have options on the depth chart, with Troy Dye, DelShawn Phillips and Marlowe Wax all in the mix for snaps, but the team has not publicly settled on who will take over the job. For a defense that wants stability right away, the bigger issue may be how quickly someone can step in and look the part while Perryman works his way back. [Read more 🡒]