One of Washington’s recent defensive back products is on the move in the NFL.
Elijah Molden was traded from Tennessee to Los Angeles on Wednesday, reuniting with former Huskies tight end Will Dissly on the Chargers. Molden is expected to play safety but move around the formation after playing slot cornerback and safety for the Titans over his first three seasons in the league.
A third-round pick by Tennessee in 2021, Molden’s role in 2024 was going to be decreased due to the signings of former Seattle Seahawks safeties Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams, who are expected to be the two starters for the Titans this season.
Los Angeles, meanwhile, had a safety depth issue after waiving JT Woods following the waiver claims period.
Molden should fit well in the Chargers defense, which is coordinated by former Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. It’s a similarly diverse scheme as the one the Huskies ran during Molden’s time on Montlake in coach Chris Petersen’s Husky position.
With safeties Derwin James and Alohi Gilman expected to be the starters, Molden can rotate in at either slot corner or deep safety depending on James’ alignment on a given play.
The former Husky started eight games and played fifteen for Tennessee in 2023, finishing with 51 tackles and an interception while lining up in the box, at deep safety, and in the slot at near-equal rates.
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