The Los Angeles Chargers announced Friday that they’ve released LB Thomas Davis and DT Brandon Mebane.
“This is a difficult time of the year due to the tough decisions we are forced to make concerning the direction of our football team in 2020 and beyond,” said General Manager Tom Telesco. “Oftentimes, these decisions hurt on a personal level. This is certainly one of those times.
“Even though Thomas only spent one year with us, he left an indelible mark on our organization. His passion, leadership, wisdom and toughness — I just can’t thank Thomas enough for his contributions to the Chargers, both on and off the field.
“Brandon has been a rock of stability on our defense and a respected team leader. I cannot overstate what he has meant to our locker room and organization, not to mention his hometown Crenshaw community. I want to thank Brandon for his consistency, on and off the field, and for always being a pro’s pro. He and his family will always be part of our Chargers family.
Ultimately, you never know what the future will hold, but making these moves right now gives us flexibility entering the new league year.”
Davis, 36, is a former first-round pick of the Panthers back in 2005. He was in the final year of his three-year, $18 million contract when he and the Panthers agreed to a one-year, $6.75 million extension through 2018.
The Panthers informed Davis after the 2018 season they would not be bringing him back and he later signed a two-year, $10.5 million deal with the Chargers.
According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Davis will free up $5,250,000 of available cap space while creating $2 million in dead money.
In 2019, Davis appeared in all 16 games for the Vikings and recorded 112 tackles, one sack and two pass defenses.
Mebane, 35, is a former third-round pick of the Seahawks back in 2007. After nine years in Seattle, Mebane signed a three-year, $13.5 million contract that included $5.5 million guaranteed with the Chargers in 2016.
The Chargers elected to re-sign Mebane last year to a three year, $13.5 million contract.
According to OverTheCap.com, releasing Mebane will free up $4,250,000 of available cap space while creating $2 million in dead money.
In 2019, Mebane appeared in 13 games for the Chargers and recorded 27 tackles and a sack.
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