The Los Angeles Chargers acquired Elijah Molden because of his ability to play multiple positions in the secondary. They also found out that he learns quickly.
After just seven practices with the Chargers, Molden started at safety in last Sunday’s 26-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers. He not only made an interception but was also the only defensive player to participate in all 48 snaps.
“He’s a great football player, instinctual and a great mind,” said defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to reporters in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Thursday as the Chargers prepared for Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh. “It’s a major shout out to him.”
Molden was picked in the third round by Tennessee in 2021 and started 16 of 33 games with the Titans. He played cornerback at the University of Washington and during his rookie year with the Titans. He missed most of the 2022 season due to a groin injury before switching to safety in 2023.
The Chargers acquired Molden for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick on August 28. He arrived in Southern California the next day for a physical and to meet the coaching staff, but didn’t practice for the first time until September 2.
With Alohi Gilman out last week because of a knee injury, Molden took a starting position and proved that the front office made a smart choice in bringing him on board.
“I wanted to be on a team where I felt valued. I kind of knew that my best ball was ahead of me and the Chargers believed in me too,” Molden said.
Gilman and Derwin James helped Molden learn the playbook, along with defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale, safeties coach Chris O’Leary, and defensive quality control assistant Robert Muschamp.
What has also helped Molden is that there are many similarities between Minter’s defensive system and the one used by the Titans.
“I kind of knew the big picture, I just needed to figure out the details,” Molden said. “Initially I thought it was all the same, but coach Minter has his own way of teaching techniques, the fundamentals and stuff.
So it definitely took a couple of days of memorization along with getting used to the different terminologies.”
Molden’s interception in the second quarter happened when he noticed Bryce Young was going to pass to Carolina receiver Diontae Johnson on an in route. Molden got a couple of steps ahead of Johnson and was able to catch the ball for his third career interception.
Molden isn’t the only player signed in August who is making an impact for the Chargers. Linebacker Shaquille Quarterman and defensive lineman Teair Tart have also played in the first two games.
During training camp and the preseason, first-year general manager Joe Hortiz signed nine players, traded for two, and made a waiver claim as he worked to create the best 53-man roster.
“Every guy that’s been added to the team has been value added in a big way. The efforts of the personnel department have been A-plus-plus so far,” coach Jim Harbaugh said.
Gilman returned to practice this week and might come back to the starting lineup against the Steelers. Molden would move to the third safety position but would still get plenty of playing time.
Minter has focused on rotating as many players as possible during the first two games. Twenty-one players participated against the Panthers, with 17 of them playing at least 12 snaps.
The Char
gers have allowed the fewest points in the league, giving up just 13 in wins against the Raiders and Panthers. Last week, the Bolts’ defense didn’t let any passes complete over 10 air yards.
The game against the Steelers could highlight the Chargers’ early strengths. Steelers quarterback Justin Fields has thrown the highest percentage of passes outside the numbers at 70%. Los Angeles is allowing the fewest air yards per pass attempt on those throws, at just 3.2.
“The way everyone is practicing right now allows them to play the game with a free mind because they’re able to take some of the things from the film study and practice and anticipate plays that are coming without guessing. That’s a big difference,” Minter said.
