The Chargers released veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks in an expected move prior to next week’s free agency. The move saves LA roughly $6.5 million against the cap.
The Kendricks move, combined with last week’s unprecedented salary cap increase, brings the Chargers to about $19 million over the cap. With a combination of other cuts, trades, and potentially restructures, achieving cap compliancy is in reach. GM Joe Hortiz said fixing the cap was a necessity at the NFL Combine last week.
Kendricks was largely signed to fix the Chargers’ run defense issues last offseason. While he and Kenneth Murray were an improved and competent duo against the run for the most part, the second level of Brandon Staley’s defense got torn apart in pass coverage. Murray and Kendricks combined to allow well over 1000+ yards combined in pass coverage last season.
Even from when he was signed last season, Tom Telesco structured his deal for the Chargers to rightly have an out on a contract given to an older linebacker. With the new shift to Jesse Minter’s defense, neither Murray or Kendricks are really scheme fits. Both are now set to be free agents next week.
The question now turns to what the Chargers will do in their re-modeling of the linebacker room. Daiyan Henley still figures to be part of the plan going forward after he largely played special teams in his rookie campaign. Outside of him, the room is currently occupied by traditional special teams contributors. Notably, Michigan fits in Minter’s defense like Junior Colson and Michael Barrett are available in the 2024 NFL draft.
Mike Williams, Khalil Mack, Keenan Allen, and Joey Bosa remain the names to watch as the Chargers continue to make decisions throughout the pre-free agency process.