Chargers release LT King Dunlap

The Los Angeles Chargers signed LT Russell Okung to a four-year deal, which put King Dunlap’s roster spot in jeopardy.

King Dunlap was Philip Rivers’ left tackle since 2013. The big man will now be looking for a new job elsewhere. According to the team’s official website, the Chargers have released the 31-year-old Dunlap.

We've released T King Dunlap.

DETAILS: https://t.co/p7y3hKT0dS pic.twitter.com/hw4gVe3dDc

— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) March 13, 2017

The move was expected after the Chargers won the bidding for Russell Okung. Dunlap, a former Philadelphia Eagle who initially signed a two-year deal with the Chargers in 2013, rejuvenated his career after playing like a stud for the Bolts in his first year with the team. 2014 was also a solid year for Dunlap, as he not only allowed the seventh-fewest sacks (3.5) in the NFL among tackles, per Chargers.com’s Ricky Henne, but it also marked the first year he played a 16-game season.

Despite the risk, he was rewarded with a four-year, $28 million contract extension ($13 million guaranteed) in the 2015 offseason. Unfortunately, he missed 13 games over the last two seasons due to injuries and just hasn’t been the same player when on the field.

With Dunlap’s release, the Chargers freed up $4.875 million in cap space but created $3.25 million in dead money, according to OverTheCap.com.

Following the move, Baltimore Ravens safety Eric Weddle took a cheap shot at his former team.

Sorry to hear about my boy King. Doesn't suprise me tho, that's how they treat the good players there. https://t.co/VMdrVoO33e

— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) March 13, 2017

We understand Weddle’s frustration considering the way the organization handles certain situations (including his departure last year), but moving on from Dunlap was the right move.