Chargers' top candidate to get released should be no-brainer for Jim Harbaugh
By Jerry Trotta
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The LA Chargers' roster has undergone significant turnover this offseason. That was always expected given the Chargers' murky cap situation, but when a new regime takes over sweeping changes are inevitable.
Jim Harbaugh is already installing his vision of the Chargers' roster. Trading away Keenan Allen made it more difficult for an already-uneasy fan base to buy into the project. Releasing Mike Williams was a no-brainer, but keeping Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa was another shock to the system.
The Chargers will have healthy competitions at various positions once training camp arrives. Those battles are already underway at OTAs. Though players don't wear pads in team drills and hardly any contact is permitted, voluntary workouts are an ideal landing strip for players on the roster bubble to make a strong impression on their coaching staff.
To say that Harbaugh will have tough decisions to make during final roster cuts would be an understatement. As always, some calls will be easier than others. Well, Bleacher Report's David Kenyon listed some of the "better" players on every NFL team who could still be cut this offseason.
Releasing Kenyon's suggestion should be a no-brainer.
DE Chris Rumph might get cut by the Chargers this offseason
A fourth-round pick in 2021, Rumph faces long odds to make the Chargers' roster. After all, edge rusher might be the Chargers' deepest position. That obviously couldn't be said when the 2023 season ended, but keeping Mack and Bosa doesn't bode well for Rumph.
The Chargers also signed veteran Bud Dupree to a two-year contract. Dupree brings 53 career sacks and more veteran savvy to an otherwise inexperienced defense under first-year defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. It stands to reason that the 31-year-old Dupree will see a ton of snaps.
Not to mention, 2023 second-round pick Tuli Tuipulotu is the best two-way defensive end that nobody talks about. Tuipulotu starred as a run defender in year one and added 4.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss as a pass rusher. Even with Mack, Bosa and Dupree, Tuipulotu will have a lofty workload.
That means Rumph is at best fifth in the DE pecking order. In three seasons, Rumph has 3.5 sacks, four tackles for loss and nine QB hits over 37 games (zero starts). He's totaled 580 defensive snaps, which equates to 193.3 per year.
Already buried on the depth chart, Rumph has to fend off 2023 undrafted free agent Andrew Farmer and Ty Shelby, as well as rookies Savion Jackson, Tremon Morris-Bash and recent signing Chris Collins.
Cutting Rumph might be an easy call for Harbaugh and Co. if he doesn't put together a banner training camp.
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