The Los Angeles Chargers enjoyed their biggest blowout win of the season on Thursday Night Football, smacking the Vikings 37-10. Unfortunately, the game involved some losses, too, particularly in the secondary. Cornerback Tarheeb Still suffered an MCL injury that’s expected to sideline him for two to four weeks. Safety Tony Jefferson left the game with a hamstring injury. And star safety Derwin James sprained his ankle and, even though the injury isn’t considered serious, he’s questionable to play in Week 9 against the Titans.
Given their defensive back scarcity, the Chargers signed free agent safety Marcus Williams to the practice squad. Williams could be elevated to the active roster depending on how James’ injury progresses this week. The team also signed defensive tackle Kyle Peko to the practice squad and released running back Nyheim Hines and wide receiver Luke Grimm in corresponding moves, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Marcus Williams’ Player Profile
Williams, 29, was selected by the Saints in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft at No. 42 overall. He ascended to one of the league’s best safeties over his five seasons in New Orleans, accumulating 15 interceptions, 38 pass deflections, and 320 combined tackles in 76 games, all of which he started.
In 2022, Williams signed a five-year, $70 million deal with the Ravens. It was the fifth-largest contract for a safety in the league at the time. Williams’ Baltimore tenure got off to a hot start, as he had four interceptions and eight pass deflections in just 10 games, but he missed much of the season due to a dislocated wrist. He missed more time after suffering a pectoral injury in Week 1 of the 2023 season and was eventually benched in Week 12 of the 2024 season.
Williams played 32 games in three seasons for Baltimore, with 149 combined tackles, five interceptions, and 18 pass breakups. The Ravens released him on March 12, 2025, and he’s been a free agent ever since.
What Williams Offers the Chargers
The Chargers’ passing defense has excelled when healthy this season. They are fourth-best in passing yards per attempt, allowing 6.4 yards per drop-back, and they have surrendered just eight passing touchdowns all season, third-fewest in the league. The two teams ahead of them in this category, the Texans and Bills, have each had their bye week.
If Williams moves to the active roster, all he’ll be asked to do is steady the ship until the starters return. It should be an easy task against a spiraling 1-7 Titans team led by rookie QB Cam Ward. The following week could prove more challenging, as the Chargers face the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game with potential Wild Card implications.
Williams would ostensibly play alongside fellow safety Elijah Molden and share snaps with whatever other secondary players are available, whether it be R.J. Mickens or Kendall Williamson.
Despite Williams’ injury history and decline in Baltimore, he’s only a couple of seasons removed from playing safety at an elite level. He’s a stopgap at the moment, but he could become a key season-long fixture in Los Angeles if he taps back into his peak.
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