At the moment, the Chargers are strapped for cash.
They are $23.5 million over the cap, marking the fifth-worst situation in the NFL. And with moves that need to be made, like extending Justin Herbert and signing their own free agents and their draft class, Los Angeles could let go of some players under contract to free up some cap space.
Pro Football Focus went around the league and named a potential cut candidate for each team, and for the Bolts, it was left guard Matt Feiler.
Feiler is entering the final year of a three-year deal signed in 2021 and coming off a career-low 54.6 overall grade. However, he maintained a high floor as a pass protector and Los Angeles may not want to get rid of anyone who can help keep Justin Herbert upright. Nevertheless, when left tackle Rashawn Slater returns next season, the Chargers could move rookie sixth-rounder Jamaree Salyer — who impressed in his first season — inside to Feiler’s left guard spot and save a ton of money on an otherwise expensive roster.
Signed two offseasons ago, Feiler was solid in his first season as a Charger. However, he took a step back this past season. Feiler allowed six sacks, 40 quarterback pressures and 31 hurries.
Feiler has a cap hit of $8.5 million. So if he’s cut pre-June 1st, the Chargers will only have to pay $2 million in dead money and get a cap savings of $6.5 million.
Should Los Angeles let go of the 30-year-old Feiler, the transition to fill the void would be seamless.
Jamaree Salyer is the presumed replacement at left guard. And from what he showed this past season as the starting left tackle in place of the injured Rashawn Slater, Salyer has the makings to be a dominant player from the interior.