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Chris Landman Returns to NFL After Retirement

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 3:41 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: California, Ohio, Texas, UNITED STATES

Los Angeles, CA - February 10th, 2026 - Former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Chris Landman has announced his intention to come out of retirement, injecting a dose of surprise and potential into the NFL free agency landscape. Landman, a second-round pick (57th overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft, abruptly retired in March 2022 after just two seasons with the Chargers, citing personal reasons. His unexpected return raises questions about his readiness, potential team fits, and the evolving landscape of player mental health and support within the league.

Landman's initial retirement sent ripples through the Chargers organization and fanbase. Drafted from Wisconsin, he was seen as a promising young player capable of contributing to a defense desperately seeking stability at linebacker. While his on-field impact was modest - accumulating 38 total tackles in 16 games - he showed flashes of potential, earning praise for his instincts and tackling ability. However, his departure left a void and prompted speculation about the underlying reasons, which at the time remained largely undisclosed.

Now, after a period of self-reflection and apparent resolution of those personal issues, Landman is eager to reclaim his NFL career. In a concise announcement on Twitter, he stated, "After taking some time to reflect and address personal matters, I've decided to pursue a return to the NFL. I'm excited about the opportunity to compete again and contribute to a team's success." While purposefully vague about the nature of his past struggles, his statement highlights a crucial aspect of the modern NFL: players prioritizing personal well-being and taking the time needed to address life challenges.

This return is particularly noteworthy given the increasing awareness surrounding mental health in professional sports. While the 'tough it out' mentality once permeated the league, a shift is occurring. Players are now more open about seeking help for issues ranging from anxiety and depression to more complex personal challenges. Landman's time away suggests he needed to prioritize his well-being, and his decision to return only after addressing those issues is commendable.

The question now is: what does this mean for Landman's NFL future? The linebacker position has become increasingly athletic and specialized. The 2026 free agency pool is already shaping up to be competitive, with several established linebackers poised to hit the market. Landman will likely face an uphill battle to secure a roster spot, and it's unlikely he'll immediately step into a starting role. He'll likely need to prove himself in training camp and potentially accept a depth role or special teams duties to earn playing time.

Several teams could be potential landing spots. Teams with established linebacker cores but seeking depth - such as the Baltimore Ravens or San Francisco 49ers - might view Landman as a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition. Alternatively, rebuilding teams like the Arizona Cardinals or Chicago Bears could offer him a greater opportunity to compete for playing time. The Chargers themselves, now under a new coaching regime, might consider bringing back a familiar face, but this seems less probable given the team's existing personnel.

Analysts predict Landman will likely receive tryouts from multiple teams before any contract offers materialize. His film from his time with the Chargers will be scrutinized, and teams will assess his current physical condition and football IQ. A successful Pro Day workout will be crucial to demonstrating his readiness and garnering interest. The evolution of defensive schemes since his retirement will also be a factor - he will need to quickly adapt to any new concepts and strategies employed by potential suitors.

Ultimately, Chris Landman's story is one of resilience and second chances. His return to the NFL is a testament to his determination and a reminder that personal struggles don't necessarily define a player's career. It will be fascinating to observe his journey back to the gridiron and whether he can recapture the promise he showed as a young prospect. The NFL, and its fans, will be watching with cautious optimism.