The deal includes $13.5 million guaranteed. Acquired from the Titans for a bag of footballs near final cuts, 26-year-old Molden blossomed, posting a career year under player’s coach Jim Harbaugh. His season did end on a sour note, as he suffered a Week 17 broken leg before requiring meniscus surgery in January. That’s a lot to rehab from in one offseason, but the Bolts are obviously confident Molden will be ready to go come Week 1. Solid in every phase of the game, Molden could graduate to near every-snap status in 2025. He played 78 percent of Los Angeles’ defensive snaps in 2024.

Molden injured his meniscus in Week 15 against the Buccaneers and missed one game. He returned in Week 17 against the Patriots, only to suffer a season-ending fibula fracture. With the surgery planned for later this month, Molden also said he “expects to be running in the next six weeks.” It is unclear as to whether Molden’s meniscus surgery will be a trim or a full repair. Molden was drafted as a 2021 third-round pick by the Titans but struggled to find his footing while dealing with injuries in his second and third NFL seasons. He thrived as a do-it-all defensive back for the Chargers this season though, notching a career-high three interceptions while tying previous career-highs in total tackles (74) and tackles for loss or no gain (four). Molden is scheduled to hit free agency this offseason but “told the coaching staff he wants to return in 2025.”

Molden played 761 snaps for the Chargers and was excellent in coverage, with a 75.4 PFF coverage grade. Molden was acquired at last cuts from the Titans and proved a prudent snag. This was the final season of his rookie deal. It seems likely that, assuming a full recovery, the nickel will return in Los Angeles if he doesn’t see major interest elsewhere.

Molden suffered a non-contact injury to his knee while backpedaling in the third quarter against the Patriots. He entered the game with a knee injury but played with a brace and now seems to have hurt his other knee. Molden was carted off and likely will not return.