The Los Angeles Chargers made a roster move on Wednesday as they signed former Las Vegas Raiders first-round pick Alex Leatherwood. Leatherwood was selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he has spent time with the Raiders, Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears. Leatherwood spent his college days with the Alabama football team, and he will now be playing for the Chargers.

“The Los Angeles Chargers today signed tackle Alex Leatherwood,” A brief statement from the Chargers said. “Leatherwood has started 17-of-21 career games played with the Raiders and Bears, while also spending time with the Cleveland Browns. A first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft by Las Vegas, Leatherwood started all 17 regular-season games for the Raiders as a rookie (four at right tackle, 13 at right guard), helping the team to a postseason appearance. He started at right guard for the team's AFC Wild Card matchup against Cincinnati.”

In college, Leatherwood was a star for the Crimson Tide. He was a first team All-American and also first team SEC player. His Alabama offensive line also won the Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line in college football. Leatherwood also won the Outland Trophy which is awarded to the best interior lineman in college football.

That Alabama offensive line with Leatherwood was incredible in 2020 as the team allowed just 11 sacks, and they ended up winning the national championship. Now, Leatherwood is in the pros, and he will be playing for Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers.

A new era is beginning for the Chargers

Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood (70) against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Pro Football Hall of Fame game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Harbaugh and Alex Leatherwood have one pretty cool thing in common: They both won a national championship. Harbaugh was the head coach of the Michigan football team last year and he led the Wolverines to a national title. He even beat Leatherwood's Alma Mater, Alabama, in the College Football Playoff. Leatherwood was coached by Nick Saban while he was with the Crimson Tide, and Saban retired after that loss to Harbaugh and Michigan.

Before Jim Harbaugh was the head coach at Michigan, he was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. He made it all the way to the Super Bowl one season, but he was never able to win the big one. Now, he is back in the NFL pursuing his goal of winning a Super Bowl ring.

The Chargers didn't have a great season last year, but now that Harbaugh is leading the charge, there is a new sense hope in Los Angeles. Harbaugh was been successful at every stop in his career, no matter what the situation was before he took over. It would be surprising if the Charges aren't successful with him as their head coach.