Chargers Bring Back Former Oregon Ducks Star on 2-year Deal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated Mar 12, 2025 4:52 PM ET

With some of the most cap space available in the NFL and 26 impending free agents, this was one of the most important offseasons in Los Angeles Chargers history. While there wasn’t a concerning number of impactful starters among those 26, it was obviously still important to retain some of them for depth and roster versatility.

Los Angeles decided to fry the biggest fish first when they re-signed Khalil Mack as their first move of the free agency period. The moves were pouring in fast for pretty much every team except the Chargers. Fans were getting a bit antsy, but thankfully the Chargers are being active on the open market.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport announced that Los Angeles agreed to terms with Troy Dye to re-sign on a two-year $5.5 million deal. After only playing sparingly in his first four seasons in Minnesota, Dye broke out last year in an increased role.

The #Chargers are re-signing LB Troy Dye, sources say, as he gets a 2-year, $5.5M deal with a chance to get to $8.5M.

Several teams were in it until the end, but he stays in LA. He had a career high 57 tackles last year. pic.twitter.com/uZrBQ88XDp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2025

The former fourth-round draft pick totaled a career-high 47 tackles and quietly became one of the most important players for the Chargers.

While the numbers aren’t incredibly eye-catching, he did an incredible job filling in during the absence of fellow linebacker Denzel Perryman and was always available for the team.

Obviously, this isn’t the attention-grabbing acquisition that fans are clamoring for, but it’s the small, sound signing that all teams need to make to maintain the cohesiveness of a defensive unit.

After what was essentially his first season playing meaningful snaps in the NFL, Dye proved to be an impactful player. With minimal wear-and-tear on his body, it’s fully possible that he ascends to the next level as a player in 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: