As the Los Angeles Chargers inch closer to the regular season, several key roster battles are beginning to crystallize. Among the most closely watched is the fight for the team’s fourth edge rusher spot—a contest that appeared to shift decisively during Sunday’s preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.
When the Chargers selected Kyle Kennard in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the former South Carolina standout seemed to have a straightforward path to becoming the team’s EDGE4. Kennard, the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year, arrived with high expectations thanks to his impressive 2024 season where he tallied 10 sacks, 24 pressures, and three forced fumbles. Yet, as camp has unfolded, the path for Kennard has grown far more complicated.
Enter Caleb Murphy, a second-year undrafted free agent and former Tennessee Titan, who has rapidly become one of the most productive and exciting players on the roster. Murphy’s performance throughout training camp and in preseason games—including the Hall of Fame Game against the Detroit Lions and the recent clash with the Saints—has dramatically shifted the dynamic of this battle.
Caleb Murphy Makes Case for Edge 4 Spot On Chargers Depth Chart
In the Hall of Fame Game, Murphy logged two quarterback pressures, two run stops, two tackles, and was involved in a forced fumble on the opening kickoff—all in just 26 snaps. By comparison, Kennard played 23 defensive snaps in his preseason debut but registered only one tackle and no sacks, pressures, or run stops.
Sunday’s game further emphasized Murphy’s impact. He recorded a vicious strip sack on Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler, which set up the Chargers’ first points of the day, followed by another sack later in the quarter. Murphy’s ability to contribute explosively on defense and his consistent presence on both first-team kickoff and punt coverage units highlight an edge he currently holds over Kennard, who has yet to carve out a role on special teams.
Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter acknowledged the shifting narrative during a recent media session, stating, “Kennard is still kind of figuring out the best way for him to rush.” This sentiment echoes observations from camp reporters noting that while Kennard has shown promise as a physical run defender, his pass-rushing prowess—the primary reason for his draft selection—has yet to materialize at the NFL level.
The Chargers’ depth at edge rusher is notable, with Khalil Mack, Bud Dupree, and Tuli Tuipulotu firmly entrenched in the top three spots. Minter has floated the idea of carrying five edge rushers this season, but roster constraints make that a challenging prospect. Often, special teams play becomes the tiebreaker in these close battles—and Murphy’s work there gives him a distinct advantage.
Kyle Kennard remains a player with intriguing upside, and the coaching staff is keenly aware of his potential. “The production speaks for itself,” Minter said earlier in camp. “You don’t become SEC Defensive Player of the Year or win the Nagurski Award if you’re not a really dominant player in that conference.” Kennard, meanwhile, has expressed a focus on proving dependability. “The X’s and O’s part will come… but for [the staff] to know that I’m going to be in the right place, do my job, communicate, and be dependable to my teammates—that’s probably what I’m looking to show the most.”
The opportunity for Kennard to develop behind veterans like Mack and Dupree remains, but with cuts looming and Murphy continuing to deliver impactful plays, Kennard’s place on the active roster is no longer guaranteed.
One thing is clear: Caleb Murphy has effectively ended any lingering doubt about his deservingness of a spot on the Chargers’ 53-man roster. The onus now lies with the coaching staff and front office to determine how to fit the pieces together around him.
As Murphy continues to shine, Chargers fans should keep a close eye on this emerging defender who could very well redefine the edge rusher hierarchy in Los Angeles this season.
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