Inglewood, CA — As the Chargers continue their undefeated start to the 2024-2025 season, the defensive backfield is undergoing some notable transformations. On one hand, the front office has doubled down on its commitment to a cornerstone of the defense, extending cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to a six-year, $45 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. On the other hand, the team has placed strong safety Elijah Molden on the trade block, signaling that his time in Los Angeles may be coming to an end.
Asante Samuel Jr.: The Foundation of the Secondary
For Asante Samuel Jr., the six-year extension solidifies his role as one of the Chargers’ most important defensive players for the foreseeable future. Despite only being 24, Samuel has proven himself as a versatile and dependable corner, thriving in a league where nickel corners are more valuable than ever. Through three games this season, Samuel has already made his mark with 8 tackles, one pick-six, and 133 downs played. He’s been primarily used in the slot, with rookie corners Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still starting on the outside. However, his presence in the middle of the field has been crucial to the Chargers’ defensive success.
In a press conference following the extension, head coach Jay Cee praised Samuel’s reliability and his ability to impact the game from various positions. “Asante’s instincts, football IQ, and ability to make plays on the ball have been a huge part of what we do defensively,” Jay Cee said. “He may not always have the flashiest numbers, but his contributions go way beyond the stat sheet. Whether it’s breaking up passes, coming up in run support, or locking down the slot, he’s exactly the kind of player you build a defense around.”
The financials of Samuel’s extension also reflect the Chargers’ long-term vision. By front-loading the deal with $30 million in guaranteed money, the team gets to keep the total contract value at a reasonable $45 million, giving them more flexibility down the line. Given the increasing importance of the nickel corner position in today’s NFL, the move to secure Samuel so long term is both prudent and forward-thinking.
Samuel’s extension further solidifies the team’s trio of starting corners. With rookies Hart and Still already showing they belong, the Chargers have their top three defensive backs locked in until at least the 2027-2028, creating a core that could rival any secondary in the league. It’s worth noting Samuel has played fewer snaps than 4 other defensive backs and it’ll be interesting if the extension gets him more snaps.
Rising Stars: Hart and Still Shine Early
The emergence of Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still has been one of the most exciting developments in the Chargers’ secondary this season. Both rookies, drafted in the fifth round, have outplayed their draft positions and quickly established themselves as key contributors on defense. Through three games, Hart has recorded 9 tackles, two pick-sixes, and two pass deflections in 160 downs played. Still has been equally impressive, with 16 tackles, two interceptions, and 181 downs played. Hart attended Notre Dame and Still attended Maryland
Their rapid rise has shifted the dynamics within the defensive back room, particularly at the safety and corner positions. The two rookies’ ability to play on the outside has freed up Samuel to dominate in the slot, while their knack for making plays in critical moments has given the Chargers a new dimension on defense.
“They’re fearless,” Derwin James said of his rookie teammates. “They come in, they compete, and they’ve got that mindset where they’re not afraid of the big stage. That’s exactly what we need, and it’s showing out there on Sundays.”
Elijah Molden: On the Outside Looking In
While the rise of Hart and Still has been great news for the Chargers’ defense, it has left Elijah Molden, the team’s 25-year-old strong safety, in a precarious position. Molden, now entering his fourth year, was once viewed as a key part of the secondary, especially lining up alongside All-Pro safety Derwin James. However, Molden has yet to develop a clear strength in his game, and he’s slowly fallen down the depth chart.
At 5’10” and 192 pounds, Molden hasn’t added the bulk needed to excel in run support, nor does he have the exceptional athleticism that could make up for his smaller frame. As a result, his opportunities have dwindled. Through three games this season, Molden has played just 32 downs, recording only two tackles. His diminishing role became even more apparent when the team opted to move cornerback Kristian Fulton, also 25 and in the final year of his contract, into the safety rotation as the de facto third safety.
Fulton has made the most of his opportunities, with 5 tackles and a tackle for loss in 83 downs played, further relegating Molden to the sidelines. With Hart and Still taking over the outside corner spots, and Fulton proving himself as a reliable safety option, Molden has lost his cushion and now finds himself as the seventh defensive back on the depth chart and fourth safety.
Despite the writing on the wall, Molden hasn’t caused any disruptions in the locker room. By all accounts, he remains professional and continues to prepare as if he’ll see the field at any moment. He’s reportedly asking for a reasonable “DB depth” contract, but the reality is that the Chargers may longer see a future for him in their plans.
With Molden’s name now on the trade block, the Chargers are looking to move him before the trade deadline. There’s likely to be interest from teams in need of depth at safety, and Molden’s relatively modest contract demands could make him an attractive target for teams seeking affordable help in the secondary.
“Teams are always looking for reliable depth in the defensive backfield, especially with injuries piling up as the season progresses,” an anonymous league source said. “Molden might not be a star, but he’s got three years of experience, he’s a solid locker room guy, and with the right scheme, he could carve out a role.” The Chargers are reportedly looking for a late round draft pick in return, and with Molden’s versatility, a team in need of depth could take a flyer on the 25-year-old safety at the low cost.
The Future of the Chargers’ Secondary
As the Chargers move forward, it’s clear they’ve found the core of their secondary in Samuel, Hart, and Still. With Derwin James leading from the strong safety position with Alohi Gilman at free safety and Kristian Fulton providing solid depth, the team’s defensive backfield is shaping up to be one of the strongest in the league. Molden’s potential departure only reinforces the team’s confidence in its current group, as they aim to build a defense capable of complementing the Justin Herbert-led offense.
With the season just beginning, and three games already in the books, the Chargers’ secondary is quickly becoming one of the team’s most exciting units, full of young, talented players who have only scratched the surface of their potential.
As the trade deadline approaches, the question remains: will Molden find a new home where he can finally thrive, or will he remain with the Chargers, waiting for his next opportunity? Either way, the future of the Chargers’ defensive backfield appears to be in excellent hands, but with the team looking to compete this year, can they hold up throughout the long season.
