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The Los Angeles Chargers are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Led by an offense boasting stars, an improved line, and Philip Rivers, and a defense with young talents and Pro Bowlers alike, that's not a bold claim. However, before doing so, training camp takes place, where, unfortunately, a few favorites will ultimately be cut.
3. Cardale Jones – QB
The offseason wasn't kind to Cardale Jones' chances to make the Chargers' 53-man roster; in fact, it was disheartening. A third-string quarterback in 2018, and Ohio State legend, Jones saw the team sign-on two-time Pro Bowler Tyrod Taylor and draft North Dakota State's Easton Stick in the fifth-round. All but guaranteeing a potential release.
Though Philip Rivers isn't a young man anymore, durability hasn't been a concern in quite some time. He hasn't missed a game since 2005. Therefore, to many, carrying two backups may be a stretch. Four isn't going to happen. But it's justifiable. Taylor may be the NFL's best backup, and Stick is a promising rookie with potential starting duties far down the line.
Jones' release is all but official. But it will happen.
2. Damion Square – DT
Damion Square has been a Charger since 2014, but the end may be coming soon. As the team drafted Jerry Tillery in the first-round, the interior defensive line has more depth than previously thought. With Brandon Mebane still around, 2018 third-round selection Justin Jones is progressing, and a bevy of undrafted free agents and late-round picks on the roster, the rotation is going to be tough to crack.
Square started 11 games and played in all 16 in 2018. He had a solid year, tallying 31 total tackles, three for a loss, seven QB hits, and three sacks. But, he was also a starter for an interior defense that failed to stop the run against most teams. With a litany of young talent on-board, continuing to play (and pay) the 30-year-old isn't in the Chargers' best interest if they want to develop a stout interior defensive line.
Though the Chargers re-signed Square to a one-year deal post-draft, signifying a future with the team, he's a popular cut or trade candidate. It comes down to Tillery and Jones impressing in training camp to bring a departure to fruition. However, considering his tenure with the team, the Chargers may stick with him as a locker room presence.
In culmination, cutting Square depends on how their depth shakes out.
1. Jaylen Watkins – S
The Chargers are loaded at safety with an infusion of outstanding young talent. A rookie last year, Derwin James was an All-Pro at the position. Nasir Adderley, a second-round pick, earned my trust pre-draft, as I considered him the top free safety in the class, despite hailing from small-school Delaware. Adrian Phillips, a career special-teamer, showing immense development as a big-nickel linebacker and should stick there.
Behind the three, 2017 fourth-round pick Rayshawn Jenkins has shown enough to warrant another season on the roster. Considering most teams carry four safeties, at most, Jaylen Watkins may be on the chopping block. He's bounced around the NFL since being a fourth-round pick in 2014 with the Philadelphia Eagles and spent all of last season (with the Chargers) on injured reserve due to a torn ACL. He's simply a subject to the numbers game.
