In a surprising move just hours before their Monday night matchup, the Los Angeles Chargers decided to waive safety AJ Finley, a significant player as they prepared to face the Baltimore Ravens, a game they ultimately lost 30-23.
Finley’s swift release adds intrigue as he is now eligible to suit up for the Seattle Seahawks in their upcoming showdown against the New York Jets on Sunday, bolstering Seattle’s defensive options.
On Tuesday, the Seahawks, capitalizing on an opportunity, successfully claimed Finley off waivers, marking a strategic move as they held the 20th position in the waiver-wire order.
To accommodate Finley on their active roster, Seattle made the difficult decision to waive defensive end Myles Adams, indicating their commitment to enhancing their defensive lineup.
The Chargers’ decision to part ways with Finley came after he made notable contributions by participating in all 10 of Los Angeles’s games this season, accumulating valuable experience with 43 defensive snaps and involvement in 170 plays on special teams. This roster shift aimed to make room for defensive back Deane Leonard, who was reinstated from injured reserve.
Before entering the NFL, Finley was a standout player at St. Paul’s Episcopal, playing a key role in securing AHSAA Class 5A championships in both 2015 and 2017. His junior year saw him rush for an impressive 994 yards, while as a senior, he recorded four interceptions, setting the stage for his collegiate career at Ole Miss.
Finley joined the NFL ranks as an undrafted rookie but managed to make a significant impact during the 2023 season, participating in 12 games for the Chargers.
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.