Chargers Make Surprise Move: Former Raiders Star Joins Rival Squad—What This Means for the Season

Picture this: the Los Angeles Chargers are cruising through the season like a finely tuned machine, stunning fans with wins over the Chiefs and Raiders—two AFC West heavyweights no less. But just when things seem smooth sailing, bam! Khalil Mack’s elbow injury throws a wrench in the works. Now, here comes Clelin Ferrell, a former top draft pick who’s seen some ups and downs but might just be the secret weapon the Chargers need while Mack’s sidelined. Can Ferrell live up to the hype and help stabilize the defense, or is this another gamble in a division where every game feels like a grudge match? Let’s dig into how this unexpected signing could shake up the Chargers’ quest for dominance.

Los Angeles Chargers helmet on the sidelines prior to the start of the NFL preseason game the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. — (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Chargers have looked like one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL with impressive victories against the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders.

They’ll now face a third AFC West rival when they host the Denver Broncos.

It’ll be another tough divisional battle, but the Chargers look up for the challenge, and their defense has a bit of help on the way.

With Khalil Mack on injured reserve with an elbow injury, they are signing defensive end Clelin Ferrell after he worked out for the team.

Sources: The #Chargers are signing DE Clelin Ferrell after he worked out for the team.

The move comes after Khalil Mack’s elbow injury landed him on IR. Ferrell, the former No. 4 overall pick, has started 57 career games, including 10 with Washington last year. https://t.co/B5OzCGfkIe pic.twitter.com/zFBNL6TmgM

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 18, 2025

Last season with the Washington Commanders, Ferrell had 3.5 sacks in 14 games.

Though he has not lived up to his status as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Raiders franchise, he can be a solid rotational piece who is capable of contributing while Mack is out.

In six NFL seasons, Ferrell has 159 combined tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 12 passes defended and four forced fumbles.

Mack was injured against the Raiders, and though it was tough to look at, early reports suggest that he avoided a season-ending injury and should be back after his IR stint is complete.

The veteran signed a one-year, $18 million contract after he contemplated retiring in the offseason, and the Chargers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that he should be back in about a month and that Ferrell is on hand to help out.

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