Veteran Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman was arrested last night after a traffic stop for vehicle code violations resulted in the discovery of five firearms arms, including two assault-style rifles. According to a statement by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (via ESPN’s Kris Rhim), Perryman was cooperative with the deputies, booked on felony weapons violation charges, and is being held without bail. TMZ was first to report. 
An early statement from the Chargers (via Daniel Popper of The Athletic) told the media they “are aware of a matter involving Denzel and are gathering information.” While a statement from Perryman’s agent (via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport) divulged that they “are still gathering facts…will fully cooperate with the process…do not take this situation lightly… (and) remain confident that the matter will be resolved fairly and in accordance with the law.”
Described by his agent as “a respected veteran” on the Chargers defense, Perryman’s career in the NFL has been one of ups and downs. Getting drafted to San Diego in the second round out of Miami (FL), Perryman showed talent early, earning a starting role six games into his 2015 rookie year, but injuries quickly became a point of issue. After only missing two games in Year 1, Perryman wouldn’t play in 14 games in a single season again until 2019, missing 20 games in the three seasons between.
Despite his frequent absences, Los Angeles extended him for two years after his rookie contract, but after first-round rookie Kenneth Murray and a third-year Kyzir White began to blossom, they allowed him to walk in free agency after six years with the franchise. In free agency, Perryman signed with a Panthers team a year removed from Luke Kuechly‘s sudden retirement. Ultimately, though, Carolina traded Perryman just before the start of the regular season to the Raiders.
In Las Vegas, Perryman had a career year at 29 years old. He started 15 games, finished sixth in the league with 154 total tackles (fifth in the NFL with 102 solo tackles), and earned his first and only Pro Bowl bid. A second strong season in Vegas saw his tackles decrease as he missed five games, but he still showed a renewed level of competition with two interceptions and 14 tackles for loss. He joined the Texans in free agency the next year, missing two games due to suspension and three to injury, and landed back with the team that drafted him last year, starting 11 games for his old squad.
Once a promising young, injury-prone, linebacker who lost his starting role in Los Angeles, Perryman went on to be a full-time starter for two other franchises, playing the best ball of his career, before coming back and securing a similar role with his old team last year. At 32 years old, Perryman is playing year-to-year on contracts at this point, but he was still expected to be a starter and a leader for a young group of up-and-coming backers in Daiyan Henley, Troy Dye, and Junior Colson.
With so many youthful options in the room, though, Perryman’s hold on a roster spot may be weakened by the events of last night. It’s unclear if last night’s arrest will lead to any discipline from the league or team, but details are sure to follow in the coming days.