BREAKING: Chargers Reportedly Cut Ties With 3 Top Players
The Los Angeles Chargers enter the 2025 offseason with a mix of hope and frustration. Although they performed well in the regular season, their playoff struggles persisted, highlighting ongoing challenges despite a talented roster. With limited salary cap space and several positions needing improvement, the front office must make difficult decisions. A key priority will be determining which costly veterans and underperforming players to move on from to create financial flexibility.
Jim Harbaugh’s first season as head coach was largely a success but ended in a familiar disappointment. The Chargers made the playoffs for the second time in three years, only to fall in the Wild Card Round to the Houston Texans, extending their postseason drought. The franchise still hasn’t secured a playoff win since 2018.
Despite the early exit, the Chargers are in a strong position heading into the offseason. They have the opportunity to refine their roster for another postseason push. Justin Herbert remains among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, throwing just three interceptions all season, but he could use another reliable weapon to elevate the offense. If Los Angeles makes the right moves, they should be back in the playoff race next season.
Here, we examine three players who could be cut as the Chargers look to reshape their roster in the 2025 offseason.
1. Joey Bosa, EDGE
When healthy, Joey Bosa is one of the NFL’s most dominant edge rushers, using his combination of strength, speed, and refined technique to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. However, injuries have been a recurring issue, and 2024 was no exception. Over the past three seasons, Bosa has played in just 28 of 51 possible games.
His production—14 sacks and 40 pressures from 2022 to 2024—doesn’t quite justify his hefty salary. The Chargers have over $60 million in cap space, though that number decreases when accounting for their limited roster size. Cutting Bosa would free up $25.4 million, but the team might instead look to restructure his contract by adding void years to shift cap space into 2026. If Los Angeles moves on from Bosa, it would be as much a symbolic decision as a financial one.
2. Gus Edwards, RB
Signed to bring a power element to the Chargers’ backfield, Gus Edwards provided a solid presence, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations. However, with running backs being among the easiest positions to replace in today’s NFL, his $4.5 million cap hit for 2025 may be too high for a rotational player.
With Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman emphasizing a strong ground game, the backfield could see changes. Edwards, who turns 30 in April, averaged just 3.6 yards per carry last season—hardly irreplaceable production. Rookie running back Kimani Vidal posted similar efficiency numbers at a much lower cost. Cutting Edwards would save the Chargers $3.1 million, allowing them to invest in a younger, more dynamic option.
3. Trey Pipkins III, OL
The Chargers have been patient with Trey Pipkins, hoping he would develop into a reliable offensive lineman. Since being drafted in 2019, he has been given multiple opportunities to secure a starting role. After spending most of his career at right tackle, he moved to guard in 2024 following the selection of Joe Alt. While this kept him in the starting lineup, his performance remained inconsistent.
Pass protection has been a long-standing weakness for Pipkins. He allowed six sacks in 2024 and posted one of the lowest pass-blocking grades among all guards. Given Harbaugh’s emphasis on building an elite offensive line, the Chargers will likely prioritize an upgrade at the position.
Financially, moving on from Pipkins makes sense. Releasing him would free up $6.8 million in cap space, which could be used to pursue a more dependable interior lineman through free agency or the draft. With Herbert’s success tied to the strength of his protection, improving the offensive line should be a top priority, and Pipkins appears to be the odd man out.
Final Thoughts
The Chargers enter the 2025 offseason with a chance to fine-tune their roster and solidify themselves as AFC contenders. Moving on from Joey Bosa, Gus Edwards, and Trey Pipkins III wouldn’t be easy, but these decisions could provide the financial flexibility needed for key upgrades.
If Los Angeles hopes to take the next step, difficult roster moves are necessary. The road to a deeper playoff run starts with tough choices, and these three players could be among the casualties as the Chargers reshape their roster for 2025 and beyond.