The Los Angeles Chargers will have to make some important and tough decisions regarding their roster this season. In order to build and rebuild the roster, they may need to add to their already robust $63 million in cap space.
Bleacher Report laid out three of the Chargers top candidates to get cut from the team to do just that:
Los Angeles Chargers Cut Candidates
- 1. OL Trey Pipkins III – $9.3 million
- 2. EDGE Joey Bosa – $36.4 million
- 3. RB Gus Edwards – $4.3 million

Case For Cutting Trey Pipkins
The Chargers have invested significant patience in Trey Pipkins, affording him ample opportunity to develop into a starting tackle since his selection in the 2019 draft. However, persistent struggles at the tackle position, coupled with the team’s selection of Joe Alt in the 2023 draft, led to a positional shift for Pipkins this season.
Despite being given the opportunity to start at guard, Pipkins’ performance did not consistently meet expectations. He surrendered six sacks and earned a disappointing 95th-ranked pass-blocking grade among guards according to Pro Football Focus.
Given head coach Jim Harbaugh’s well-documented emphasis on establishing a dominant offensive line, it is highly probable that the Chargers will actively seek upgrades at the guard position. The potential $6.8 million in cap savings generated by releasing Pipkins would significantly contribute to the team’s efforts to strengthen the offensive line through free agency or the draft.
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Case For Cutting Joey Bosa
The decision to potentially part ways with Joey Bosa presents a significant challenge for the Los Angeles Chargers. While acknowledging Bosa’s significant contributions to the franchise, the team must objectively evaluate his recent performance and its impact on the team’s salary cap.
Despite enjoying his healthiest season in three years, Bosa’s production this year fell short of his previous dominance. He recorded only five sacks in 14 games and registered a career-low 12.5% pressure rate, according to Sports Info Solutions.
Given his substantial contract, which carries an annual average salary exceeding $35 million, his current level of production may not justify his current compensation. While a trade remains a possibility, finding a team willing to assume his contract could prove challenging.
Releasing Bosa would create a significant $25.4 million in cap space, providing the Chargers with valuable flexibility to address other roster needs. This decision aligns with General Manager Joe Hortiz’s demonstrated willingness to make difficult roster decisions, as evidenced by his previous decisions to part ways with veterans like Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
Case For Cutting Gus Edwards

The Chargers’ rushing attack fell short of expectations this season, failing to meet the standards expected of a team coached by Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman. While quarterback Justin Herbert remains the focal point of the offense, the emphasis on a robust ground game necessitates a reevaluation of the team’s running back situation.
This evaluation may lead to the release of veteran running back Gus Edwards. At 30 years old, Edwards averaged just 3.6 yards per carry with a 49.5% success rate this season, mirroring the production of rookie Kimani Vidal, a sixth-round draft pick.
Releasing Edwards would create a significant $3.1 million in cap space, providing the Chargers with valuable resources to address potential upgrades at the running back position. This move aligns with the team’s likely pursuit of a more impactful and cost-effective solution at the position.