The Chargers have an open competition for the third safety spot, and second-year AJ Finley has been making a strong case to seize it.
Finley has mixed in with the first-team defense in certain packages when Derwin James moves around to different positions.
He also played with the starters on Monday and Tuesday while Alohi Gilman was absent to be present for the arrival of his new baby.
But not only has he mixed in with the 1s, Finley has made the most of his opportunities, most recently nabbing an interception and pass defended on Wednesday.
#Chargers S AJ Finley with the one-handed INT#ChargersCamp pic.twitter.com/KAbuCdfvsK
— Chargers Country (@ChargersCountry) August 1, 2024
“AJ is guy that guys have confidence in,” defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said. “He’s a guy who has made some plays in practice, communicates really well. He has a comfort out there.”
Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss, Finley primarily served as a special teamer in his rookie season. He forced a fumble against the Bills.
Over the course of his collegiate career, Finley recorded 245 total tackles, 13 passed defended, eight interceptions, four fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.
