Several LA Chargers roster battles are starting to crystallize the closer the team gets to the regular season. In Sunday's preseason game against the New Orleans Saints, the battle for the fourth edge rusher spot on the depth chart may have been decided.
It was widely accepted heading into camp that 2025 fourth-round pick Kyle Kennard would slot in as the EDGE4. After all, Kennard is the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year and has a pass-rush skillset that should translate well.
However, production is impossible to deny and one edge rusher has been far more productive to this point: former Tennessee Titans UDFA Caleb Murphy. Murphy has been one of the biggest highlights of training camp and on Sunday, he produced a highlight against the Saints with a viscous strip sack.
let's goooooo
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 10, 2025
📺 | CBS2 LA pic.twitter.com/VxwdfHHQQ0
Caleb Murphy may have guaranteed his Chargers roster spot vs. Saints
Jim Harbaugh always rewards production and passion. Murphy has been one of the most productive players for the Chargers, and clearly has the passion.
The question is no longer if Murphy deserves a spot on the Chargers' 53-man roster. He has proven he is deserving and with how well he is playing, chances are he will continue on this upward trajectory.
The question now becomes what the Chargers do with Kennard. Last season, the Chargers carried four edge rushers on the 53-man roster and the calculus may simply have to be different this year. The Chargers aren't going to waive a draft pick they just made, and they might be forced to reward Murphy for his efforts.
This may result in the Chargers carrying five edge rushers. If Kennard is truly the EDGE5, though, he won't get many reps on defense. He will primarily be a special-teams player in his rookie season. Is that a direction the Chargers want to take with an older rookie?
These are all questions the Chargers have to weigh and thankfully, there is plenty of time for the Bolts to find these answers.
One answer is undeniable: Murphy has removed any doubts about whether or not he deserves a spot on the Chargers' 53-man roster. It's now up to the coaching staff and front office to figure out how the puzzle pieces fit around him.