Former Oregon Ducks star Troy Dye recently signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers after playing four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. The deal reunites Dye with former teammate and Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. Dye spoke at length about his admiration for Herbert and expressed his excitement to be playing with his Ducks teammate again.
But changes to the Chargers' roster could mean the reunion is over before it even begins.
According to a recent Sporting News article, the Chargers added several linebackers during the offseason, signing former Atlanta Falcons guard Bud Dupree and Houston Texans forward Denzel Perryman, and selected former inside linebacker Junior Colson from Michigan in the third round of the 2024 draft. Colson and returning special teamer Nick Niemann are both listed above Dye on ESPN's early preseason depth chart.
Given the crowded linebacker position, the competition may come down to special teams play. Niemann is an athletic player and has been a regular on the Chargers' special teams since being drafted in 2021.
Dye has played in 60 games in his Minnesota career, including eight starts. Like Niemann, most of his on-field performances have come on special teams. If Dye wants to make the 53-man roster, he'll need to play in a way that mirrors his production during his time with the Ducks.
Dye played four years at the University of Oregon, helping the Ducks win a Pac-12 championship and a Rose Bowl in his final season, earning an Associated Press All-Pac-12 First Team selection. He also became the first player in Oregon history to lead the team in tackles over a four-year tenure. Dye started 48 of the Ducks' 50 career games and finished with the third-most tackles in school history (397). He also recorded 15 sacks, five interceptions, 44 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.
Dye is undoubtedly a competitive player, as evidenced by his college and NFL career so far, so you can rest assured that the former Ducks star will do what it takes to earn a roster spot, no matter how unfavorable the circumstances.
