General manager Tom Telesco and company are gearing up for what will be one of the most polarizing offseasons.
Aside from free agency and the 2020 NFL draft, the Chargers will need to decide what to do with their 15 expiring contracts. Among the group are notables like quarterback Philip Rivers, running back Melvin Gordon and tight end Hunter Henry, along with defensive end Joey Bosa who is due for a big payday.
Los Angeles’ $56.3 million in projected salary cap comes above the league average of $47 million. The front office will have to dish the majority of that available money to household names, but if they feel the need to make some signings in free agency they could elect to move on from some players that are under contract through the 2020 season.
With that, here are three Chargers who could be surprise cuts this offseason:
LB Denzel Perryman
The linebacker position was a focal point for Telesco heading into the 2019 season. One of the moves that he elected to do was bring back Perryman on a two-year deal. The former Miami product stayed relatively healthy and played well enough to remain on the team through next season, but Drue Tranquill’s emergence at the middle linebacker position has given the Chargers reason to believe that they could lean on the fourth-round selection to manage the full load moving forward. Should they move on from Perryman, Los Angeles would save $6.55 million in cap space.
C Mike Pouncey
One of the heart and souls on the offensive line and in the locker room, Pouncey didn’t have the season he was anticipating. In Week 5, Pouncey sustained a major neck injury that required surgery. The injury was so severe that there’s still a possibility that it could be career-ending. Pouncey recently appeared to be optimistic that he would be able to play, but it all depends on if the doctors clear him. If he isn’t cleared, then the Chargers will have to look elsewhere to fill the void at the center position. Scott Quessenberry would likely be the favorite when considering his strong play in the starting role this past season.
DT Brandon Mebane
Even though Mebane is coveted for his veteran and locker room presence, he didn’t flash as much as previous season and the Chargers showed that they could be set at the nose tackle position with two other players — Damion Square and Sylvester Williams, both who proved their worth this past season and could very well be re-signed. If the team elects to move on from the 34-year old, they would save $4.25 million in cap space.