Cap space isn't an issue for the LA Chargers this offseason, but it's always nice to have more after a back-breaking loss in the NFL Playoffs.
The Chargers enter the 2026 offseason with over $100 million in cap space and plenty of ways to spend it. With a Super Bowl firmly in grasp, this might not even be enough for the Chargers. With just four savvy moves, the Bolts could increase their projected cap space by over 40%.
5 moves the Chargers can make to save over $50 million in cap space
Restructure Justin Herbert - $17.08 million
As the largest contract on the books, there will always be a chance to restructure Justin Herbert's contract to create more cap space. This year, if the Chargers go that route, the team could free up over $17 million in total space.
With plenty of flexibility in the immediate future, the Chargers could afford to smooth out Herbert's cap hit to create more space this offseason. This will only really be needed if the Chargers want to go all in this offseason, which isn't the worst idea given the circumstances.
Extend Derwin James - $12.96 million
Derwin James is entering his last year under contract with the Chargers and carries a $24.6 million cap hit. The star safety is entering his age-30 season, which is typically when defensive players start to regress in the NFL.
However, after a season that included an All-Pro Second-Team nod, the Chargers may look to lock James up for several years beyond the 2026 season. He definitely won't get the same deal he previously signed, but the Chargers would benefit from tacking another three years onto his contract.
By doing so, the Chargers could work over half of his cap hit this season into future cap hits. The Chargers wouldn't have to do all $12.96 million, but it's still a nice bonus if the team looks to lock up one of its defensive leaders beyond this upcoming season.
Cut Mekhi Becton - $9.7 million
It would have been blasphemous to suggest the Chargers could cut Mekhi Becton eight months ago. But here we are.
Becton had a terrible first season with the Chargers in which he dealt with injury concerns and poor play. To make matters worse, the 2020 first-round pick was not shy in sharing his feelings about how things were going with the Chargers.
The Chargers clearly thought this could be a possibility as the team can get out of his contract after just one year. It's going to be hard to potentially replace the entire interior offensive line, but it might be for the best after the 2025 season that Becton had.
Cut Bradley Bozeman - $5.875 million
It can be a roster cut or retirement but either way, Chargers fans don't want to see Bradley Bozeman on the roster next season. Bozeman was the worst starting center in the league last season and it would be malpractice if he starts a third year in LA.
The real concern here shouldn't be around the Chargers potentially starting Bozeman next year. They're smart enough to know that's a bad idea. Instead, fans should be concerned that the Chargers bring Bozeman back as an overpaid backup simply because of his locker room presence.
Locker room presence is great and all, but the $5.875 million in cap space would help the team more.
Cut Will Dissly - $4 million
This is not a substantial cut by any means, but it feels like one that is inevitable. Oronde Gadsden II is so clearly the future of the tight end position in Los Angeles while Dissly seemed to lose favor with this coaching staff.
Dissly was a healthy scratch numerous times throughout the 2025 season. Dissly took a step back as a blocker, which coupled with his limited upside as a pass-catcher, made him an easy choice to make a healthy scratch throughout the season.
The Chargers may spend some cap space on a veteran tight end who can provide better blocking, and they could use another draft selection on the position. But either way, Dissly's future in LA is up in the air.