The Elijah Molden trade is already paying dividends.
Los Angeles traded a 2026 7th rounder to Tennessee for Molden after roster cuts, adding a third safety with starting experience to the Chargers roster. With Alohi Gilman out with injury on Sunday, Molden stepped into a starting role next to Derwin James.
In the second quarter with the Chargers leading 13-0, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young dropped back to pass and tried to fit a pass over the middle to Diontae Johnson in double coverage. Linebacker Junior Colson dove to tip the pass but missed, but Young’s throw overshot Johnson and came directly to Molden, who crashed on the route and tumbled over Colson to give the Chargers the ball just behind midfield.
The pick quickly led to a JK Dobbins touchdown to give the Chargers a 20-0 lead with two minutes to go before halftime.
Molden’s interception is his first one since Week 12 last season against the Texans when he was a member of the Titans.
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