Ja'Sir Taylor's Former Contributions to the Los Angeles Chargers

Ja'Sir Taylor’s tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers, though relatively brief, left an indelible mark on the team’s defense and special teams units. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Wake Forest, Taylor arrived as an undersized but scrappy defensive back, initially viewed as a depth piece. However, his work ethic, versatility, and knack for making timely plays quickly elevated him from a practice squad candidate to a key contributor. Over his three seasons with the Chargers (2022–2024), Taylor became a fan favorite for his relentless effort and ability to step up in high-pressure moments. Ja'Sir Taylor's Former Contributions to the Los Angeles Chargers explores his evolution from a late-round pick to a reliable starter, his impact on and off the field, and why his time in Los Angeles remains memorable for both the team and its fanbase.

Ja'Sir Taylor's Former Contributions to the Los Angeles Chargers begins with his rookie season (2022) and the fight to make the roster—a journey that set the tone for his Chargers career. At 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, Taylor was considered undersized for an NFL defensive back, and many analysts predicted he’d be cut during training camp. But Taylor refused to let that define him: he dominated preseason practices, recording two interceptions and three pass breakups, and showcased his versatility by playing both slot cornerback and safety. The Chargers kept him on the active roster, and he made his NFL debut in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, playing 12 special teams snaps. By midseason, Taylor was seeing rotational defensive snaps, and in Week 14 against the Indianapolis Colts, he recorded his first career interception, picking off Matt Ryan in the end zone to halt a Colts scoring drive. “Ja'Sir came in with something to prove,” said former Chargers defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley. “He didn’t care about his draft status—he just wanted to help the team. That mindset made him impossible to ignore.” Taylor finished his rookie year with 21 tackles, one interception, and two pass breakups, establishing himself as a player the Chargers could trust.

A defining phase of Taylor’s contributions came in the 2023 season, when he emerged as the Chargers’ starting slot cornerback and became a staple of their defense. With starter Bryce Callahan sidelined by a knee injury in training camp, Taylor seized the opportunity, impressing coaches with his coverage skills and tackling ability. In Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans, he held star slot receiver DeAndre Hopkins to just 3 catches for 28 yards, earning praise from Chargers head coach Brandon Staley for his “lockdown coverage.” Taylor continued to shine throughout the season: he recorded a career-high 6 tackles in a Week 6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, broke up three passes in a Week 10 victory over the Green Bay Packers, and forced a fumble in a crucial Week 17 matchup against the Denver Broncos that helped the Chargers secure a playoff spot. What made Taylor’s 2023 performance even more impressive was his consistency—he didn’t miss a single game and played over 70% of the Chargers’ defensive snaps. “Ja'Sir turned himself into one of the best slot corners in the AFC that season,” said former Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa. “He was always in the right place, he never got beat deep, and he wasn’t afraid to come up and tackle. He was the glue of our secondary.”

A critical aspect of Ja'Sir Taylor's Former Contributions to the Los Angeles Chargers is his impact on special teams—a role he embraced fully and one that became vital to the Los Angeles Chargers’ success. Beyond his defensive duties, Taylor was a core member of the Chargers’ punt coverage and kickoff return units, using his speed and tackling precision to limit opponents’ return yards. In 2023, he led the Chargers with 11 special teams tackles, including a game-saving stop in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he tackled punt returner Jamal Agnew at the Jaguars’ 10-yard line to prevent a potential touchdown. Taylor also served as a backup kickoff returner, and in Week 12 against the New England Patriots, he returned a kickoff 32 yards to set up a Chargers field goal. “Special teams is where a lot of players hide, but Ja'Sir embraced it,” said former Chargers special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken. “He saw it as another way to help the team win, and he was great at it. His tackles on punt coverage often changed the field position battle in our favor.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Taylor’s special teams contributions were just as valuable as his defensive plays—they provided stability and momentum in close games, helping the team win five one-score matchups in 2023.

Another key part of Taylor’s legacy with the Chargers is his leadership and locker room presence—qualities that extended beyond the field and benefited the Los Angeles Chargers’ young defensive backs. Though he was never a vocal captain, Taylor led by example: he was the first player to arrive at practice and the last to leave, often staying late to work on coverage drills with rookies like Derwin James Jr. and Asante Samuel Jr. When Samuel struggled with penalties in 2024, Taylor took him under his wing, reviewing film with him and sharing tips on how to stay disciplined. “Ja'Sir was like a big brother to me,” Samuel said in a 2024 interview. “He never made me feel bad about my mistakes—he just helped me fix them. He taught me how to be a professional, both on and off the field.” Taylor also mentored undrafted free agent cornerback Michael Davis, who went on to become a starter for the Chargers in 2024. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Taylor’s leadership was invaluable: he helped develop a young secondary into one of the most improved units in the NFL, laying the groundwork for future success even after his departure.

Wrapping up Ja'Sir Taylor's Former Contributions to the Los Angeles Chargers is the lasting impact of his time in Los Angeles—a legacy defined by resilience, versatility, and selflessness. When Taylor left the Chargers in 2025 to sign with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent, he departed with career totals of 135 tackles, 4 interceptions, 18 pass breakups, and 27 special teams tackles. But his contributions went beyond stats: he proved that late-round picks could become impact players, inspired younger teammates to work harder, and helped the Chargers reach the playoffs in 2023. For Chargers fans, Taylor remains a beloved figure—his No. 27 jersey is still a common sight at SoFi Stadium, and he’s often mentioned in conversations about “underrated Chargers greats.” “Ja'Sir Taylor is the kind of player every team wants,” said former Chargers general manager Tom Telesco. “He’s talented, he’s humble, and he puts the team first. His contributions to this franchise will be remembered for a long time.” Ja'Sir Taylor's Former Contributions to the Los Angeles Chargers ultimately shows that greatness in the NFL isn’t just about draft status or highlight-reel plays—it’s about showing up, working hard, and making a difference in every role. Taylor did that, and in doing so, he cemented his place in Chargers history.