The LA Chargers are currently well over the 2024 NFL salary cap, even after the league bumped the cap higher than initial projections indicated. Los Angeles has to make several moves to free up cap space not only to become cap-compliant but to make any additions this offseason to improve the roster.
Naturally, there are Chargers free agents who are going to see their tenure with the Bolts end as a result of this process. For most of these free agents, a new opportunity will emerge with another team that is willing to pay them in the offseason.
Others may not be as lucky, however. Whether it be because of age or playing ability, there are several Chargers free agents who may not be in the NFL at all in 2024.
3 Chargers free agents who may be forced into retirement:
Michael Davis
As far as age goes, Michael Davis is not at the point where players are typically forced out of the league. Cornerbacks get forced out of the league quicker than any other position as regression seems to hit hard (and quickly) after the age of 30.
Even then, Davis is only 29 years old and he has only been in the league since 2017. Typically, cornerbacks will get one or two more one-year contracts at this point before sailing off into the sunset.
The problem for Davis is it is hard to see any team making the room to add him to the roster. Davis was legitimately one of the worst starting cornerbacks in the entire sport last season. In 550 coverage snaps last season, Davis allowed 61 catches on 93 targets for 788 yards.
Davis' nine touchdowns allowed were the second most in the league, per Pro Football Focus, and his 119.8 passer rating allowed was the third-worst. He was objectively one of the worst cornerbacks in the league last season and because of his up-and-down nature, it wouldn't be surprising if no NFL team wants to take a chance on him.
Davis probably isn't done playing professional football and who knows, maybe there is a CFL or UFL stint awaiting for him. His time in the NFL may very well be over, though.