San Diego Chargers: Possible Offseason Roster Cuts

Oct 14, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers offensive tackle

(66) talks with Indianapolis Colts linebacker

(58) during the second half at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 19-9. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Chargers don’t have a ton of room under the salary cap at the end of the year. They are going to have to make some wiggle room this offseason in order to bring in some free agents.  The team will have to make some roster cuts this offseason in order get a little air. Here are a few possible cap casualties during the offseason

Jeromey Clary, $4.55M savings

Jeromey Clary played well at guard, but he is getting paid like a tackle. An expensive tackle. He will need to take a pay cut in order to stay on the roster. He is a solid player for the team and his versatility is huge, but his contract is too hefty. It is the final year of his deal, so the Chargers could look to restructure his deal. If he doesn’t restructure, the team may have to cut ties with him.

Dwight Freeney, $3.5M savings

Dwight Freeney is coming off of a major injury and has a number of injuries throughout his history. He could be a huge asset on the defensive side of the football, but the $3.5M could be used somewhere else. If he is healthy, his contract is a steal. IF…

Derek Cox, $1.65M savings

Cox was terrible. How can you keep him on the roster after that type of performance? The team needs to cut their losses and admit their mistake with that signing.

Le’Ron McClain, $2.5M savings

McClain is a solid fullback, but that breed is dying and the Chargers offense does not use the position often enough in order to warrant the price tag that we are paying him. John Phillips was brought in last offseason and can be used in the fullback role if we needed someone to play the position. Need to use that money on something else.

Jonas Mouton, $766k savings

Why is he even on the roster?

In order to save even more dough, the team might look at restructuring the deals of some players. The most likely candidates would be Philip Rivers, Eric Weddle and Antonio Gates. Have to work their way around that salary cap.