LOS ANGELES — The first cap-saving move in the Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh era was the L.A. Chargers released linebacker Eric Kendricks.
The previous regime signed the middle linebacker to a two-year deal one year ago.
This move frees up $6.5 million, but they will take a $2.75 million dead cap number, according to Overthecap. It brings their total to $27.3 million in dead cap.
The Chargers now sit at $19.1 million over the cap (not accounting for draft picks and extra money to make in-season signings) but still have moves to make with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa due to make over $30 million each.
This leaves the defense very thin at linebacker, with Daiyan Henley and Nick Neimann as the only linebackers on the roster with Kenneth Murray set to hit free agency.
Regarding Kendricks, teams should be interested in the linebacker who had 117 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and six passes defended in 15 games.
How the Chargers address this position in free agency and the draft will be interesting, especially with new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
The new league year starts Wednesday, March 13th, at 4 p.m. ET/ 1 p.m. PT, while legal tampering begins on Monday, March 11th, at 4 p.m. ET/ 1 p.m. PT.
