$133 Million Salary Cap Could Help Keep Some Chargers

Dec 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback
Derek Cox(22) on the sideline lines in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The San Diego Chargers defeated the Denver Broncos 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The salary cap is expected to rise up to $133 million this coming season, per Pro Football Talk. That is $10 million over the salary cap that was set for last season and that should give the San Diego Chargers some room in those pants. The Chargers were a little bloated over the cap, but that extra room could give the team a little extra love and could be some good news for a few Chargers.
The Chargers have been negotiating a deal with Donald Butler and that situation is still up in the air. If Butler is allowed to test free agency, I would assume that he will walk away and sign with another roster. Regardless, if the Chargers wanted to send him the extra money, they have a little more room to make that decision.
The extra cash under the cap could benefit players like Jeromey Clary and Eddie Royal the most. Both were productive players for the Chargers last season, but their big salaries that AJ Smith tossed in their direction was not something the team could survive.
The team can also look to sign Chad Rinehart to a deal to play that guard position. He will become a free agent in a couple of weeks and would be a key player for the team to bring back.
Could this mean the team keeps Derek Cox though? They have the extra money to keep him around to see if he can make a turnaround. Tom Telesco believed in him at one point and he didn’t play well last season. Could Telesco keep him around for another year with the extra money to see if he can live up to the expectations that were there?
Even with the extra money under the cap, the team will not have a ton of money to throw at free agents. Telesco will have to be smart with his money once again and will have to get the most bang with his buck.
Can we get some action already? Can we see some movement?