Chargers save over $19M by releasing D.J. Fluker, Brandon Flowers, Stevie Johnson

TheLos Angeles Chargersreleased three veterans -- offensive lineman D.J. Fluker, cornerback Brandon Flowers and wide receiver Stevie Johnson-- and will save over $19 million against their 2017 salary cap with the moves.

"Parting ways with men I've gotten to know and respect is the toughest part of this job," Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said Tuesday in a statement.

Fluker, 25, was a first-round draft choice in 2013, when the Chargers selected the former Alabama star with the 11th overall pick. After beginning his NFL career at tackle, Fluker shifted inside to guard in 2015, starting 28 games at the position over the past two seasons.

Fluker appeared in 59 games -- all starts -- in his four seasons with the Chargers. Team brass liked Fluker's energy, enthusiasm and toughness, but he struggled at times with speed rushers in pass protection.

"Few players have shown the amount of passion and dedication that D.J. has shown for us the last four years," Telesco said in his statement. "D.J. was the ultimate teammate who gave every ounce of effort he had to help our team. I will have great memories of D.J.'s time with the Chargers and wish him the best of luck with his career.

"And I want to thank Brandon for his contributions and his professionalism throughout his three years with us. I wish D.J., Brandon, Stevie and their families all the best in the future."

Fluker thanked the Chargers in an Instagram post and wrote that "I'm hungrier than ever, and look forward to the opportunity to make an impact on and off of the field in my next city."

The 6-foot-5, 339-pound Fluker was scheduled to make $8.821 million in 2017, which would have been the final year of his rookie deal. The Chargers will save the full amount on their salary cap.

Flowers, 31, appeared in just six games during an injury-plagued 2016 season, recording one interception. The Chargers will save $7 million against the cap by releasing him.

Johnson, 30, missed all of last season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. He had 45 receptions for 497 yards and three touchdowns in 2015.

Johnson was in the final year of his contract. The team saves $3.5 million in cap space by releasing him.

ESPN's Adam Schefter, Adam Caplan and Eric D. Williams contributed to this report.