The LA Chargers were not able to make many additions in JIm Harbaugh's first offseason with the team because of the salary-cap situation that former general manager Tom Telesco left behind. Instead of adding players, the 2024 offseason was all about how the team could free up money to become cap compliant.
This year is different with the Chargers boasting $63 million in projected cap space to spend. Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz now have the resources to build on the already strong foundation that was established in 2024.
That being said, there are still some Chargers players who may get the boot this offseason to create salary-cap space. Over The Cap recently listed the top 100 possible cut candidates this offseason and a trio of Chargers made the list: Alohi Gilman, Trey Pipkins, and Joey Bosa.
Alohi Gilman, Trey Pipkins, Joey Bosa named potential Chargers cut candidates
Two of these names should not be a surprise and the real surprise of this list is not the biggest name. Pipkins and Bosa are both textbook salary-cap casualties while the same cannot be said for Gilman.
The Pipkins at right guard experiment failed in 2024 and it is time for the Chargers to move on from the former Telesco draft pick. Pipkins carries a $9.25 million cap hit in 2025 that would shrink to $2.5 million in dead cap if he was cut. Pipkins shouldn't be starting next season, and the Chargers shouldn't be spending $9.25 million on a backup.
Bosa's situation is different but may lead to the same fate. The once-Pro Bowl edge rusher has a cap hit of $36.4 million this season. Cutting Bosa would create $25.3 million in new cap space to potentially re-sign fellow edge rusher Khalil Mack.
Bosa simply did not play like a $36.4 million player in 2024 and at this point, the Chargers are just paying for the namesake. The Bolts don't have to cut ties with Bosa to build out a competitive roster in 2025 but if the team plans on spending big, Bosa might be a necessary cap casualty.
Heck, all signs are already pointing to the Chargers cutting ties with Bosa before the offseason begins. The only difference with him is that he could have value on the trade market, potentially netting the Chargers a draft pick in return.
Gilman is the true surprise even if he turned in a disappointing follow-up season to his 2023 breakout. While Gilman did not play to the same level, he still provides important safety depth that should keep him in Los Angeles in 2025.
Derwin James is at his best playing nickel corner and having Gilman on the roster makes it easier for the Chargers to do that. Plus, Gilman's cap hit is only $6.75 million and the Chargers would save just $4.5 million by cutting him. That small amount of juice simply is not worth the squeeze.