ClutchPoints
The Los Angeles Chargers have one goal in mind. Win a damn playoff game. Everyone associated with the NFL understands how talented the Chargers are right now, with Jim Harbaugh leading the way. However, in two years as a head coach of the Bolts, the team is 0-2 with two miserable playoff performances.
The roster is loaded with talent. After another successful NFL Draft, the Chargers have potential stars at every position for the present and the future. Changes will continue to be made as the offseason progresses, but the Bolts likely won’t be making any more serious free-agent additions or trades.
This article discusses three players who have made a serious impact on this team over the last few seasons, but are also in danger of being cut after the 2026 minicamp and upcoming training camp at the end of July. The Chargers’ coaches need to realize that these three players are not going to be much more than depth pieces, but the decision to move on from them may benefit the team in the long run. There are multiple reasons why all three of these players should not make the roster for the 2026 season.
There will be many players cut, and 95% of them will be obvious. Scott Matlock, Derius Davis, and Bud Dupree are not obvious cut candidates, but players who are the biggest names of the group. If they do not have a great camp in August, they could find themselves without a job.
Contract: 4 years – $4 million (rookie) – free agent after 2026 season
Matlock has been a Swiss Army Knife for the Bolts over the last two seasons. This is a total Jim Harbaugh-type player, and it will be a very difficult decision to move on from him if that ends up being the case. Matclock came into the league as a defensive tackle, but has moved to a primary position of fullback for certain packages. He has done a great job of blocking for the run game and has even made some catches in his career. He has eight catches for 40 yards, two first downs, and one touchdown in his career.
Matlock’s job would likely not be in jeopardy if it weren’t for the free agent addition of fullback Alec Ingold. Ingold comes to the Chargers from the Miami Dolphins, following Mike McDaniel. McDaniel is going to play Ingold over Matlock almost every single time, and it does not make sense to keep a backup fullback.
At defensive tackle, the Bolts contain Dalvin Tomlinson, Teiar Tart, Jamaree Caldwell, Nick Barnett, and Justin Eboigbe. He doesn’t have a spot in that room either.
Contract: 4 years – $4.55 million (rookie) – free agent after 2026 season
Davis seems to be the most obvious cut candidate not named Bud Dupree. Davis has been the Chargers’ primary punt returner and is used as a kick returner as well. He just has not thrived in...
