NFL free agency is creeping up with the legal tampering period kicking off on Monday at 9 a.m. PST. The Chargers had success in the first season of the Jim Harbaugh era, but the team needs to make some meaningful additions this offseason.
To give themselves more flexibility, the Chargers released longtime edge rusher Joey Bosa. That move saved the team $25.36 million in cap space.
Los Angeles may not be done making moves, and guard Trey Pipkins could be someone who follows Bosa out the door.
Pipkins was a third-round pick by Los Angeles in 2019. Over the last six seasons, he's provided them with a depth option in the trenches, including bumping inside to guard in 2024. The Chargers had two studs at tackle with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, so moving Pipkins gave him the best chance to play, but he didn't take advantage of the opportunity.
Pipkins was totally ineffective in 15 starts for Los Angeles. According to PFF, Pipkins finished the season with a 57.8 overall grade (86th among 135 eligible guards), a 49.7 pass blocking grade (94th among 135 eligible guards), and a 63.7 run-blocking grade (59th among 135 eligible guards). In addition, he gave up 29 pressures and six sacks.
Back in 2023, Pipkins inked a three-year, $21.75 million extension, but as we head into the 2025 season, his time with the Bolts could be ticking. His cap number is listed at $9.25 million, while none of that money is guaranteed.
They would save $6.75 million if they cut Pipkins. Per Spotrac, the Chargers now have $90 million in salary cap space, which is the third most in the league. They can continue adding to this pool, and Pipkins could be the guy who gets the short end of the stick.
Add in that WR DK Metcalf has requested a trade, and the Chargers are reportedly serious suitors for him. If they land the star WR, they would have to give him an extension, and Metcalf is looking for $30 million annually on his next deal, per the Athletic's Dianna Russini.