Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman was arrested in connection with multiple weapons violations, police said Saturday.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department said in a statement that Perryman, 32, was arrested Friday by South Los Angeles Station deputies.
“Deputies conducted a traffic stop of Mr. Perryman’s vehicle for vehicle code violations,” the statement said. “During their investigation, Mr. Perryman was arrested for multiple weapons violations.”
“Mr. Perryman was extremely cooperative with deputies throughout the investigation,” the department added.
Perryman’s agent, Ron Butler, and a representative for the NFL did not immediately return requests for comment.
The NFL player is being held without bail and will appear in court on Aug. 5, according to jail records on the LASD’s website.
Perryman was drafted by the Chargers in 2015 when the team’s hometown was San Diego, and played on the team for about five years.
He returned to the Chargers in 2024 after short stints with the Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans.
A tumultuous weekend: Denzel Perryman and the Chargers face a legal curveball
The Los Angeles Chargers and their veteran linebacker, Denzel Perryman, faced an unexpected setback as Perryman was arrested late Friday, August 1, 2025, on suspicion of multiple weapons violations. The arrest, stemming from a traffic stop in the Los Angeles area, brought a sudden jolt to the team just weeks before the start of the NFL season.
Details of the arrest and charges
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, South Los Angeles Station deputies pulled Perryman over around 9:30 p.m. for vehicle code violations. During the subsequent traffic stop, officers reportedly discovered five firearms in Perryman’s vehicle, two of which were described as assault-style rifles. The rifles were reportedly deemed non-compliant with California’s strict firearm laws, leading to a felony charge of possessing an assault weapon. Perryman, 32, was cooperative during the arrest, according to authorities. He was booked on felony charges and held without bail at the South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station, with a court date initially set for Tuesday, August 5.
A quick resolution
However, the legal process unfolded quickly. Perryman was released from custody on Monday afternoon, August 4, after prosecutors decided not to file criminal charges at that time. According to ESPN, the case was returned to law enforcement for further investigation, meaning Perryman could still potentially face charges in the future. His record will reflect a detention rather than a full arrest as a result of the charges being dismissed.
Perryman’s background and potential impact
Perryman, an 11-year NFL veteran, was drafted by the Chargers in 2015 and is currently in his second stint with the team. He rejoined the Chargers before the 2024 season and is expected to be a starter at inside linebacker in 2025. He recorded 55 combined tackles and 1 sack in 11 games played during the 2024 season. In 2023, he tallied 76 combined tackles and 0.5 sacks in 12 games played for the Houston Texans. His career highlight includes a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he accumulated 154 tackles.
| Season | Team | Games Played | Combined Tackles | Sacks |
|---|
| 2024 | Los Angeles Chargers | 11 | 55 | 1.0 |
| 2023 | Houston Texans | 12 | 76 | 0.5 |
| 2022 | Las Vegas Raiders | 12 | 83 | 1.0 |
| 2021 | Las Vegas Raiders | 15 | 154 | 0.0 |
This incident marks a serious legal matter for Perryman, potentially impacting his immediate and long-term future with the Chargers and the league. In 2023, Perryman also faced a suspension for a helmet-to-helmet hit, highlighting a pattern of issues impacting his career.
Reactions and the path forward
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh voiced support for Perryman, stating that the team would let due process play out. Perryman’s agent, Ron Butler, also confirmed his release and dropped charges, noting that Perryman is now focused on rejoining his team. The situation highlights the complexities of personal conduct and legal issues for professional athletes and the impact such incidents can have on their careers and teams. While the initial legal hurdles appear cleared for Perryman, the potential for further investigation or disciplinary action from the league could still arise. The Chargers will be monitoring the situation closely as they prepare for the upcoming season, hoping this incident does not disrupt their efforts on the field.
