The Los Angeles Chargers made two significant moves to their practice squad on Monday, signing cornerback Nehemiah Shelton and releasing cornerback Matt Hankins. These changes come as part of the Chargers’ ongoing effort to strengthen their secondary and develop talent for the future.
Nehemiah Shelton, an undrafted free agent in 2023, initially signed with the New York Jets. After participating in the Jets’ preseason, he was waived and subsequently signed to their practice squad. His time with the Jets was short-lived, as he was released in October of the same year. Undeterred, Shelton continued his professional football career by joining the Memphis Showboats in the USFL. His performance there caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his return to the Jets in August 2024. However, Shelton did not make the final roster cuts, once again leaving him without a team.
Shelton’s journey to the NFL began at San Jose State, where he played in 45 games for the Spartans. Over his college career, he amassed an impressive 195 tackles, 32 passes defended, and eight interceptions. His strong performances earned him all-conference honors in both 2021 and 2022. Now, Shelton has another opportunity to prove himself at the NFL level as he joins the Chargers’ practice squad. His defensive versatility and experience make him a valuable addition to a team looking to bolster its secondary depth.
we’ve signed CB Nehemiah Shelton to our practice squad and released CB Matt Hankins.
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 9, 2024
On the other hand, the Chargers made the decision to part ways with cornerback Matt Hankins, who had participated in the preseason and showed promise. Hankins had a notable highlight during the preseason, intercepting a pass against the Dallas Cowboys by stripping the ball from a receiver’s hands. Prior to joining the Chargers, Hankins had a successful stint in the USFL, where he won a championship with the Birmingham Stallions.
Hankins’ football journey began at the University of Iowa, where he made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2017, recording 21 tackles and two pass breakups. His performance improved in subsequent years, and he became a starter in 2018, finishing the season with 48 tackles and three pass breakups. In his final season with the Hawkeyes, Hankins was named a Second-Team All-Big Ten selection, a team captain, and a semifinalist for the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s best defensive back. He concluded his college career with 44 tackles, three interceptions, and five pass breakups in his final season.
While the Chargers decided to move on from Hankins, the team’s head coach, Jim Harbaugh, and general manager, Joe Hortiz, are known for their proactive approach to managing the roster. Harbaugh’s philosophy of “competitors welcome” emphasizes the importance of competition and performance, even within the practice squad. Hortiz, with his keen eye for talent, has been instrumental in making moves to bolster the team. In preparation for the 2024 season, Hortiz signed nine players, made two trades, and claimed a player off waivers, demonstrating the team’s commitment to improving its depth and ensuring that every roster spot is filled by a capable player.
Harbaugh’s trust in Hortiz has been clear. In a recent statement, Harbaugh praised Hortiz’s ability to evaluate talent not only on the Chargers’ roster but across the league. “Joe Hortiz, he’s going to run it,” Harbaugh said. “We trust Joe; he’s the best in the business.”
While not every move will be a success, the Chargers’ continued adjustments to their roster show a commitment to maintaining a competitive edge. Both Shelton and Hankins’ experiences illustrate how quickly NFL fortunes can change, with one player getting another shot at the league, and another facing the uncertainty of free agency. The Chargers’ decision-making reflects their drive to find the best possible players to support their ambitious goals for the season ahead.
