After spending a lot of time last offseason, the LA Chargers are entering this offseason and need to make some room under the cap. The Chargers are currently $19.9 million above their projected 2023 cap, according to Over The Cap.
However, this number is not set in stone. Due to the nature of non-guaranteed contracts, Chargers may drop certain players to make room. Not only that, the Chargers could restructure stores to make room. According to OTC, the Chargers have a simple $60.1 million restructuring potential.
Fans are already debating who the Chargers might end up cutting to free up Cap space this offseason. As it stands right now, there are some big deals that could give the Bolts excess cap space next season.
But ultimately, when the dust settles, there are only two players really worth cutting if you’re Tom Telesco. Eliminating all the good players on the team just to make cap space isn’t a good way to build a Super Bowl contender.
Matt Feiler was fine last season but it’s become clear that left guard is Jamaree Salyer’s job next season. The Chargers can free up $6.5 million in cap space by deleting Feiler, making this a no-brainer for the front office.
Hopkins isn’t saving as much cash, but with the emergence of Cameron Dicker, it’s wise for the Chargers to familiarize themselves with the younger (and cheaper) option. Cutting off Hopkins would free up $1.485 million in cap space.
That’s not enough to get below the cap, and with that in mind, it seems like there should be more cut candidates for the Bolts. There are four players in particular who could make some room but will remain in LA for one reason or another for the 2023 season.
Let’s dive into these four players and explain why each of them is ultimately sure to get cut.