In 2021, the Las Vegas Raiders made a pivotal move by selecting offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood with the 17th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Their aim was to bolster their offensive line and provide protection for quarterback Derek Carr. However, the gamble didn’t pay off as Leatherwood struggled to find his footing, ultimately leading to his departure from the Raiders.
Following his release from Las Vegas in 2022, Leatherwood embarked on a journey through various NFL teams. He had brief stints with the Chicago Bears and the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad before finding a new home with the Los Angeles Chargers. This signing, reported by Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, marks Leatherwood’s latest chapter in his quest to revive his NFL career.
Despite the setbacks he’s faced, Leatherwood remains determined to prove his worth in the league. Labeled as a first-round draft bust by many, he sees this opportunity with the Chargers as a chance for redemption. Under the guidance of new head coach Jim Harbaugh, Leatherwood hopes to tap into his full potential and silence his critics.
However, the road ahead won’t be easy for Leatherwood. With the Chargers, he’ll need to demonstrate his skills and adapt to the demands of the NFL. His success or failure in Los Angeles could determine the trajectory of his professional football career. For Leatherwood, this signing represents more than just joining a new team—it’s his shot at redemption and a chance to fulfill the promise he showed coming out of college.
As Leatherwood begins this new chapter with the Chargers, the NFL world watches closely. Will he rise to the occasion under Harbaugh’s leadership, or will his struggles persist? Only time will tell as Leatherwood embarks on this pivotal journey with the Los Angeles Chargers.
