Chargers News: Attempt to Claim Shemar Bartholomew Ends in Disappointment

The Los Angeles Chargers aimed to bolster their defense by claiming cornerback Shemar Bartholomew off waivers, but the former New York Jets player was picked up by the Carolina Panthers instead.

The Panthers had priority in the waiver process, leaving the Chargers and two other teams—Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints—empty-handed.

Bartholomew, who was released by the Jets, attracted significant interest, receiving claims from four teams, the highest number for any player on the waiver wire that day.

During the preseason, he showcased his skills by allowing no receiving yards on nine targets and earned an impressive coverage grade of 85.2 from Pro Football Focus .

In a related move, the Chargers recently waived veteran safety Tony Jefferson and JT Woods, both of whom were expected to make the 53-man roster.

Additionally, safety Thomy Harper was also waived and subsequently signed by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Despite missing out on Bartholomew, the Chargers added cornerback Elijah Molden from the Tennessee Titans. Molden is expected to play a significant role in the team's secondary, providing versatility as he can fill in at cornerback or on special teams.

The Chargers are focusing on cross-training their secondary players to enhance their adaptability and overall team depth.

This strategy aims to ensure that the best available players can step in seamlessly if a starter is injured. Defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter believes this approach will help maximize the team's performance throughout the season.

"I think we try to approach it that way when teaching the guys positions. It doesn't always perfectly line up like that. A corner can't always go in there and play safety, and vice versa," Minter added . "But I do think the versatility allows you to try and keep your best players out there and try to have that next-best guy available. And then for those guys, create value for yourself."