Following a hectic 2024 that began with him in Tennessee through most of the offseason and training camp, the versatile defensive back was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick. Since arriving in L.A., he has found both stability and success, culminating in a multi-year contract extension that solidified his place on the team.
Speaking at The Bolt on Monday, he opened up about his new chapter with the Chargers. The most important message? He feels right at home.
His NFL journey has come full circle—and now, he’s exactly where he belongs.
“This was the best possible outcome for me and my family,” he said. “During the season, I couldn’t really focus on the long-term because everything was about the weekly grind. But once the season ended, we were able to work through it pretty quickly. The extension came a couple of weeks before free agency—just a huge blessing.”
The Chargers and he officially announced the extension on February 20, even before the 2025 NFL Combine. And with his future secure, he is breathing easier. Unlike last season, he’s not scrambling to learn a new playbook, adjust to new teammates, or relocate.
The 26-year-old started his NFL career as a nickel cornerback with the Titans but began transitioning to safety near the end of his time in Tennessee. That move paid off when he joined forces with Derwin James Jr. and Alohi Gilman in Los Angeles, where his impact was immediate.
“This is only my second year playing safety,” he noted. “Last year, I was learning in real time. Now, I’m much more comfortable with my role and responsibilities. The system is ingrained in me now—I’m not guessing. I can actually focus more on what the offense is doing and anticipate.”
Elijah Molden will start Year 2 in L.A. wearing a new number—switching from No. 22 to No. 2. “22 treated me well, but I just wanted to drop a digit,” he joked.
In 2024, Molden played 15 games with 12 starts, notching career highs with three interceptions and seven pass breakups. Among safeties who logged at least 500 snaps, he ranked 11th in PFF coverage grade (75.4), 13th in overall defensive grade (75.6), and 16th in tackling (78.5).
Unfortunately, he missed the regular-season finale and playoff game due to injuries—including a broken leg and a meniscus tear. On Monday, he shared encouraging updates.
“Broken bones heal fast—I was good from that in a few weeks,” he said. “The meniscus was from the Tampa game. I had surgery after the season with Dr. Neal ElAttrache and I’m feeling great. I’ll definitely be 100 percent by training camp.”
Instead of opting for a quick cleanup, Molden chose a full meniscus repair for long-term health.
“I could have done the scope, which is quicker, but long term it’s not the best option. Since we had time, I wanted to do what was best for my knee and my career,” he said. “Rehab takes longer, but it’s not like an ACL or Achilles. I’m already moving around well.”
He’s been easing into action during the team’s voluntary offseason workouts and is expected to be fully active by mandatory minicamp.
Molden’s arrival in 2024 helped stabilize the Chargers’ secondary. His presence allowed Derwin James Jr. to roam more freely and play a hybrid role—contributing to James earning Second-Team All-Pro honors.
“In this three-safety system, I knew I’d have meaningful snaps right away,” Molden said. “From there, it was just about making plays.”
The Chargers are counting on the trio of Molden, James, and Gilman to elevate even further this season with a full year of chemistry under their belts.
Chargers safeties coach Adam Fuller praised Molden’s growth and instinct.
“He had a great season,” Fuller said. “His burst, instincts, and intelligence are exceptional. He’s super locked in, and he genuinely wants to improve. It was the perfect storm—he was hungry, we needed him, and it clicked.”
Molden, now entering his second season in powder blue, is all in.
“The culture here is hard to put into words,” Molden said. “You feel it the second you walk into the building. The way people carry themselves, the energy—everything is centered around winning and success.”
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