Kevin Acee of the Union-Tribune San Diego reports that the Chargers are expected to release OT Marcus McNeill which will help them clear some much needed cap space.
If McNeill is cleared by the team’s doctors before March 15th, the Chargers will be on the hook for $10.5 million but that’s not likely happen considering that he suffered injuries to his neck and back this season. This should help them retain OT Jared Gaither who will be an unrestricted free agent in the coming weeks.
Luis Castillo
Acee mentions that Chargers could either release DT Luis Castillo or renegotiate his current contract which will pay him $6 million.
If they release him they would save $5.075 million in cap space. Castillo was lost for the season after breaking his leg during the team’s first game.
Acee reports that people close to G Kris Dielman expect him to play again next season but it’s hard to say if he’ll be able to return after suffering a serious concussion and seizure on the flight home.
Acee mentions that Chargers “would happily pay” Dielman’s 2012 salary of $5.5 million to keep him.
Spikes signed a three-year deal that only guaranteed one-year’s salary so his $2.875 million could also be removed from the books if they choose to move on without him.
If San Diego ends up without each of these players, they would be able to cut $23 million of their 2012 cap. The team is in need of a talent infusion and having that much money available should be a step in the right direction. Keeping Vincent Jackson wouldn’t either.
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