The Los Angeles Chargers and Carolina Panthers have agreed to a trade that would involve a swap of offensive linemen, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
Offensive tackle Russell Okung will go to Carolina for guard Trai Turner. Rapoport says the deal has been agreed to but cannot be processed until the start of the new league year.
Panthers offensive line coach Pat Meyer previously worked for the Chargers for three seasons and wanted Okung.
Okung had one more year left on his contract and at a high salary cap hit of $15.5 million. Along with the large salary cap hit, the 31-year old drew durability concerns after suffering a pulmonary embolism and various lower body injuries upon returning, which could’ve led to the split.
Turner, a former third-round draft pick, has developed into one of the more premiere guards, making five straight Pro Bowl appearances from 2015-2019. He has played in 84 games, 80 of which he started, since entering the league in 2014, and is still only 26 years old.
The franchise will move on Okung’s $13 million base salary and will take on a $8.5 million base salary for Turner. So barring any other pieces involved, the Chargers will be saving some money after the trade goes through.