Linebacker Nick Niemann, a sixth-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021, is known for special teams. As an unrestricted free agent this year, Chargers team reporter, Eric Smith noted that after coming back from injured reserve a few weeks into the 2024 season, Niemann “resumed his vital role on special teams… The linebacker ended up with the top overall PFF special teams grade on the team at 79.5 and also tallied a team-high 10 total tackles in that phase.”
Niemann was also in the top five PFF (Pro Football Focus) special teams grades for the Chargers (83.5%) in 2023. Additionally, he played the most special team snaps in 2023 (338) and the third most in 2024 (314).
Though Niemann has had highlights on defense while stepping in for players like former Charger linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. and Denzel Perryman, special teams is where he shines. As Niemann faces the free-agency market, will his play in various units in LA earn him a contract?
Nick Niemann’s Los Angeles Chargers Body of Work
Niemann was the one to grab onto the Broncos onside kick during Week 16’s prime-time game, so the Chargers could get their first win after two losses. And similarly, in 2022, he recovered a muffed punt by wide receiver Josh Palmer during the fourth quarter, in Week 14’s matchup against Miami, securing the ball at the bottom of the dogpile.
In addition to rallying during big moments, Niemann has been relied upon for some of the special teams trick plays, like the fake punt in 2022, where he got the ball to former Charger running back Joshua Kelley who took it for a first down during Week 13’s matchup against the Raiders.
In 2023, Daniel Popper of The Athletic noted during training camp that Niemann as well as former Charger linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga were “on all four” special teams units and were “two of the Chargers’ most important special teams pieces.” On top of his special teams play, Niemann has risen to the occasion as a backup during times of injury in the last few seasons.
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Popper reported that Niemann and linebacker Troy Dye both stepped in for Perryman in Week 12 against the Ravens, as Perryman was often injured during the 2024 season. Niemann had a season-high of six solo tackles during that game. Niemann also played a few defensive snaps in Week 9 against the Browns and in Week 13 against Atlanta.
Though he didn’t get a whole lot of playing time on defense in the regular season, Niemann showed out in the offseason, with a forced fumble during the Chargers’ first day of OTAs. And during the Chargers first preseason game, he was beastly. He stopped the run, had 10 solo tackles, and had a sack on quarterback Sam Howell on a third-and-8 in the second quarter, moving the Seahawks out of field goal range. Whenever Niemann is in, and whatever position he plays, he’s making an impact.
Do the Los Angeles Chargers Re-Sign Nick Niemann?
Despite the hamstring injury that kept Niemann out at the start of 2024, he’s one of the veteran special teams weapons, who can be inserted into the lineup during any week. He’s always a safe bet when on the field and it would be a shame if the Chargers let him walk.