3 Chargers veterans who could lose their jobs to rookies

3. Kenneth Murray - Chargers' starting linebacker to Daiyan Henley

The Chargers have witnessed breakout seasons from linebackers in consecutive seasons. Kyzir White started the trend in Brandon Staley's first year as head coach and Drue Tranquill continued it last season. Just like White, Tranquill ended up leaving the Bolts and signed a cheap deal that could have been matched.

Fans are hoping that fourth-year linebacker Kenneth Murray can be the latest example of a linebacker having a breakout season in a contract year. While nothing is impossible, Murray is fighting a much higher uphill battle than White and Tranquill as he has been downright bad thus far in his NFL career.

Trading back up into the first round to take Murray in 2020 is looking like one of the worst mistakes that Tom Telesco has ever made. If Murray cannot turn it around in 2023 then it will be cemented as the worst move of Telesco's tenure.

Murray will probably have the starting job alongside Eric Kendricks to start the season regardless of what happens in camp. It seems unlikely that the Chargers would outright give up on him before giving him a chance to play in-game during the season.

However, the leash might be very short and Murray may end up seeing more snaps in special teams than on defense if he is struggling and rookie Daiyan Henley is thriving.