At the Chargers’ locker room clean out on Monday, center Corey Linsley admitted that retirement is under consideration. While he’s appreciated his lengthy NFL career, the 10-year NFL veteran says there is a “99%” chance that he will retire.
Linsley missed 14 games after being diagnosed with a non-emergent heart condition before Week 4’s contest against the Raiders. He transitioned to what could effectively be described as a coaching role in offensive line meetings for the rest of the season, even going as far as breaking down tape packages for each of the Chargers’ offensive linemen.
In 2021, Linsley was signed to a five-year, $62.5 million contract by the Chargers in an effort to rebuild their offensive line. At the time, it was the largest AAV contract for a center in NFL history. He was a Pro Bowler in his first season with Los Angeles and also kept up his high-level play in 2022.
The retirement of Linsley would save the Chargers approximately $9 million against the 2024 cap. However, it would also open up an All-Pro level hole in the Bolts’ offensive line. Los Angeles would likely have to look towards the draft or free agency for his replacement. Will Clapp is a free agent, while center Brenden Jaimes is entering the final season of his rookie deal.
As the Chargers head into the offseason, the likely retirement of Linsley is one of the first dominoes to fall in the construction of the 2024 roster.