After a resilient but disappointing 2022 season in which they went 10-7 but blew a huge lead to the Jacksonville Jaguars in their Wild Card playoff contest, the Los Angeles Chargers could look a lot different next season.
Star running back Austin Ekeler has asked to be traded after failing to come to terms with the organization on a contract extension, and on Tuesday, they released starting guard Matt Feiler.
The #Chargers are releasing starting guard Matt Feiler, source said. He had an $8.5M cap hit by 2023.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023
The Chargers’ offensive line had some issues this past season, but this move may not hurt too much, as he was considered something of a disappointment.
They signed him two offseasons ago after he spent his first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Los Angeles looked to upgrade the offensive line last offseason, but a season-ending injury in September to Rashawn Slater, their starting tackle, was a major blow to their Super Bowl hopes.
Quarterback Justin Herbert completed a career-high 68.2 percent of his passes, but his 25 touchdown passes were somewhat underwhelming, given that he notched 38 touchdown passes in 2021.
The Chargers need help on defense as well after finishing 20th in total yards allowed and 21st in points allowed.
Getting players back healthy will be part of the solution, as pass rusher Joey Bosa and cornerback JC Jackson missed big chunks of the 2021 campaign.
They could also use an improved speed threat at wide receiver, which could also help open things up a bit more for wideouts Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
Releasing Feiler will save the Chargers a decent amount of salary cap space moving forward.
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The Chargers Have Reportedly Granted Their RB Permission To Seek Trade
