The Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday acquired defensive back Elijah Molden in a trade with the Titans in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick.
Here are five things to know about Molden:
1. Headed to LA
Molden joins the Bolts entering his fourth season in the NFL.
The defensive back was drafted in the third round (100th overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft by Tennessee, becoming the 15th defensive back selected that year.
The 25-year-old played in 33 games (16 starts) racking up 140 tackles (94 solo), two interceptions (both returned for touchdowns), eight passes defensed and two forced fumbles across three seasons with the Titans.
2. Moving around the defense
Despite coming in and playing mainly at slot cornerback and in the box his first two seasons in the league, Molden flashed his versatility in his third season.
The defensive back played all over the field in 2023 as he made the move to safety.
He played 274 defensive snaps at free safety, 222 in the box and 198 in the slot, according to Pro Football Focus.
3. Solid 2023 season
Molden would go on to have a good year in 2023 after making the move.
In 15 games (eight starts), the 25-year-old logged a career-high 73 tackles (47 solo) to go along with one interception returned for a touchdown, four passes defensed and one forced fumble.
He also posted his highest PFF tackling grade of his career so far with a 79.3. That mark ranked 10th in the NFL among safeties with at least 600 snaps.
4. Washington standout
Before becoming a Top-100 draft pick, Molden shined in Washington's secondary.
Molden played with the Huskies for four seasons from 2017 to 2020 and began seeing the field as a true freshman after joining as the No. 2 prospect in the state of Oregon.
He finished his career appearing in 44 games (20 starts), totaling 153 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five interceptions, 25 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
The West Linn, Oregon native was a three-time All-Pac-12 selection, including making the first team in each of his final two seasons.
5. All-American father
Molden comes from a family that knows about the NFL life.
His father, Alex Molden, was an All-American at Oregon before becoming the 11th overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft by the Saints.
Alex Molden had an eight-year career playing in 98 NFL games (57 starts). He finished with 298 tackles, 12 interceptions, 8.0 sacks and 29 passes defensed in his career.
Alex Molden also spent time with the Bolts during his career, playing in 22 games with the team from 2001 to 2002. He would finish second on the team in interceptions (three) during the 2002 season.
