Chargers Sign All-Pro Defender Ahead of the Playoffs

The Los Angeles Chargers are 9-6 and one win away from clinching a postseason berth after a one-year hiatus. In Jim Harbaugh's first year as a head coach, the Bolts took a significant step forward and will be a tough out in the playoffs regardless of who they play.

This success was built upon their defensive identity. The Chargers defense currently allows the fewest points in the NFL and ranks in the top five in coverage and overall defense per PFF. That is a significant step forward for the team that finished 21st or below in four straight seasons before Harbaugh arrived.

Yet, the Chargers aren't done adding to their already elite defense. On Monday, the team announced that it was signing former All-Pro safety Eddie Jackson to the practice squad and released running back John Kelly.

NFL News: Chargers Sign S Eddie Jackson

After being one of the best defenders in the league in his early seasons with the Chicago Bears, Jackson signed with the Baltimore Ravens before the 2024 season. There, he appeared in nine games, starting in four and playing 339 defensive snaps before being released on November 23. In his stint there, he had a career-worst 50.9 defensive grade on PFF and allowed a 69.6% completion rate and three touchdowns when targeted.

At this stage of his career, Jackson is more of a deep bench option as a competent veteran. The Chargers have Derwin James Jr and Elijah Molden starting at safety after Alohi Gilman landed on the injured reserve list. Molden missed Week 16 with a knee injury, pushing Tony Jefferson further up in the pecking order.

Jackson will not be elevated when the Chargers' rotation is fully healthy but now that they are banged up, there may be an opportunity for the 31-year-old veteran.

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