3 roster moves that would instantly save the LA Chargers $32 million
By Jason Reed
1. The LA Chargers trade Mike Williams and the 2021 second-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens for Orlando Brown Jr.
Trading for Orlando Brown is absolutely the biggest no-brainer move that the LA Chargers can make this offseason (credit for Steven Haglund for coining that phrase and making it stick in my head). Brown instantly shores up the left tackle position of the offensive line and makes logistical sense for the Chargers.
The Chargers can save money in the deal as well. While the Bolts will eventually have to pay Brown if they extend him, they can capitalize on his small-cap hit this season and trade someone who would cost no dead cap if traded in Mike Williams.
I love Mike Williams as much as the next fan but he simply is not worth $15 million in 2021. If the Chargers can free up that money then they should do so. I am not a fan of cutting Williams for nothing, as he can still help Herbert, so this is the best of both worlds.
The Ravens would have to do some minor cap maneuvering to get Williams to fit under the cap alongside the 2021 NFL Draft class but that is doable with the salary-cap space they can open up by releasing players.
Lamar Jackson needs more receivers in Baltimore and the Chargers need offensive line help. In the process of helping both teams, the Chargers would save just under $11.4 million in salary-cap space.
Total saved: $11.4 million