Chargers release veteran LB Eric Kendricks, save $6.5M

The Los Angeles Chargers released linebacker Eric Kendricks on Tuesday, the team announced.

Kendricks signed a two-year, $13.25 million contract with the Chargers last offseason, with $6.75 million guaranteed. He was due a $1.25 million roster bonus if he was on the roster on the third day of the new league year (March 15).

The move saves the Chargers $6.5 million, and the team will incur a dead money charge of $2.5 million. Kendricks, 32, was a captain in 2023 and finished second on the team with 117 tackles.

For now, Daiyan Henley, drafted in the third round in the 2023 draft, and Nick Niemann are the sole inside linebackers on the roster. Linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr., who was third in tackles in 2023, is a free agent.

Kendricks' release is the first significant roster move since coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz were hired. The Chargers are now $19 million above the salary cap after Kendricks' release, according to OverTheCap.com.

Tuesday's move is likely the beginning of more ahead for the Chargers, as Harbaugh and Hortiz will look to get the team salary cap compliant. The Chargers' biggest decisions will come with linebackers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and wide receivers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, who all have cap hits above $30 million next season.

Hortiz and Harbaugh have been noncommittal on the futures of those players.

"In terms of the cap, I'm confident we can get there because you have to get there," Hortiz said at the NFL scouting combine. "I have no choice but to get under the cap, so I can promise you that we're going to do that."