The Los Angeles Chargers find themselves grappling with substantial salary-cap constraints this offseason, prompting the release of one of their esteemed team captains.
On Tuesday, the Chargers made public their decision to part ways with linebacker Eric Kendricks.
According to Kris Rhim of ESPN, this move resulted in a $6.5 million cap space gain for the AFC West franchise. Kendricks had previously been signed to a two-year, $13.25 million contract before the commencement of the 2023 season.
Notably, had he remained on the roster by the third day of the new league year on March 15, he would have been entitled to a $1.25 million roster bonus.
With the advent of a new era under the leadership of head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz, the Chargers find themselves still grappling with approximately $19.1 million over the salary cap despite this adjustment.
“Tuesday’s move is likely the beginning of more ahead for the Chargers, as Harbaugh and Hortiz will look to get the team salary cap compliant,” Rhim observed. “The Chargers’ biggest decisions will come with linebackers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and wide receivers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, who all have cap hits above $30 million next season.”
As for Kendricks, although he made a name for himself during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, he showcased commendable performance during his stint in Los Angeles.
Kendricks was drafted by the Vikings in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft and spent the first eight years of his career with the NFC North franchise. Notably, he earned Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors in 2019 during his time with the Vikings.
His acquisition by Los Angeles ahead of the 2023 season proved fruitful, with Kendricks emerging as one of the defensive stalwarts. He recorded 117 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six passes defended, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble across 15 games.
Despite being 32 years old, Kendricks boasts an impressive track record of eight consecutive seasons with over 100 tackles, rendering him a sought-after prospect in the upcoming free agency market.
Regrettably for the Chargers, their focus must first center on rectifying their salary-cap predicament before contemplating bridging the gap with the reigning AFC West champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. While Kendricks could have potentially aided in narrowing this chasm, his departure signifies a forthcoming stint elsewhere in the 2024 season.
