The Chargers tried to add a defender, but lost him on waivers

The Los Angeles Chargers have lost former New York Jets cornerback Shemar Bartholomew to waivers. In addition to the Bolts, the Carolina Panthers, Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints had claimed Bartholomew, but the Panthers had priority and kept him.

Bartholomew was released by the Jets on Tuesday. The 24-year-old defender has been claimed by four different teams, the most among players on Wednesday’s waiver list.

The cornerback had a remarkable performance in the preseason. Bartholomew did not allow a receiving yard on nine passes targeted. He finished the preseason with an 85.2 coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Chargers have already released two secondary players who many speculated had earned a spot on the 53-man roster. Veteran safety Tony Jefferson and JT Woods were released by Los Angeles.

Thomy Harper was also waived by the Chargers, resulting in the safety being designated off waivers by the Las Vegas Raiders.

Although the Bolts lost Harper, Jefferson will likely sign with the Chargers’ practice squad, effectively keeping him on the club.

The Chargers acquired Elijah Molden from the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday. The cornerback is set to be a key piece on defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s unit.

Molden has the versatility that Minter envisions for each player in the secondary. Molden will likely play a backup role behind Derwin James, Jr. and Alohi Gilman. He could also play cornerback or on special teams.

Molden played more than 100 snaps on special teams. Although the Chargers lost Bartholomew, Los Angeles added a versatile piece in Molden.

Earlier in training camp, Minter said secondary players are being cross-trained to add value and also to become versatile players.

Minter hopes to insert the next best football player if a starter gets injured.

“I think we try to approach it that way when we teach the positions to the guys. It doesn’t always line up perfectly that way. A corner can’t always come in and play safety, and vice versa,” Minter added. “But I think the versatility allows you to try to keep your best players on the field and try to have that next best player available. And then for those guys, create value for yourself.”

Minter’s teaching method has certainly helped players develop into new roles. Woods is a prime example of this, despite the team firing him.