The LA Chargers have rebuilt the roster with limited resources this offseason under the guidance on new GM Joe Hortiz. While this resulted in several popular players finding new homes, the end result is a roster that can at least contend for a playoff spot in Jim Harbaugh's first year.
As Hortiz and the Chargers have proven after the draft, the Bolts will not hesitate to add talent if it helps the team in the summer. Heck, the Chargers recently signed former Raiders draft bust Alex Leatherwood. Anything is possible.
The Chargers could have a new crop of players to potentially sign after June 1. June 1 is an important day on the NFL calendar as teams make post-June 1 cuts that create more cap space. Many of these cuts (like Michael Thomas) already happened but with a post-June 1 designation. However, there is still room for other cuts to happen after the June 1 date.
The Chargers will technically "cut" Corey Linsley after June 1 as he officially retires from the league. While Linsley won't serve as a boost for another team, the Chargers could potentially pick up another team's "trash" and turn it into treasure.
2 intriguing June 1 cut candidates the Chargers could pursue:
1. James Bradberry
James Bradberry has made every June 1 cut candidate list as it is clear that the Philadelphia Eagles are going in a different direction. Philadelphia drafted two talented cornerbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft and have no room for Bradberry, who took a step back for the team last season.
If the Eagles would have cut Bradberry before June 1 then it would have cost the team an additional $10.8 million in cap space, per Over The Cap. However, as a post-June 1 cut, Bradberry does not add any additional cap space with just a $4.3 million dead cap hit.
Bradberry may have had his struggles last season and his best days as an NFL cornerback are likely behind him. That being said, this Chargers cornerback room needs depth and could really use one more veteran who can start on the outside. If the Chargers are leaning on Kristian Fulton being a big piece of the defense then the team is in trouble.
2. Larry Ogunjobi
Another veteran who has struggled for his team, Larry Ogunjobi could be cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers after June 1 to create more cap space. Pittsburgh goes from saving $1.46 million as a pre-June 1 cut to $5 million as a post-June 1 cut.
Ogunjobi may have struggled last season and his run defense definitely raises some concerns, hence why the Steelers may look to move on. However, the veteran defensive tackle still has productive years ahead of him and he may just need the right system to find his old form.
Plus, the Chargers wouldn't need Ogunjobi to be an every-down player for the team. The interior defensive line room could really use one more option for depth purposes, especially someone who can play nose tackle alongside Poona Ford and (maybe) Otito Ogbonnia. Ogunjobi can do that.