Los Angeles Chargers Projected to Cut Ties with Former First-Round Picks

The Los Angeles Chargers are projected to cut ties with two former first-round picks, Trevor Penning and Bud Dupree, ahead of the 2026 season.

Why the Cuts are Looming

The Chargers have a strong foundation under Jim Harbaugh, with back-to-back playoff appearances and a current standing of 3rd in the American Football Conference, boasting a 13-4 record and an 8-game winning streak.

Their 90-man offseason squad is formidable, but roster cuts are looming, with 37 players to be cut before the final selection of 53 players.

Impact of Declining Production

Trevor Penning, a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, struggled to make a mark after being traded to the Chargers, with a 53.5 overall PFF grade last season, ranking him 64th among qualified offensive guards.

Bud Dupree, an 11-season veteran, also saw declining production, with only 2.0 sacks and 16 tackles in 2025, a sharp decline from his 2024 campaign.

Financial Implications

Cutting Penning and Dupree could give the Chargers a financial advantage, with a potential saving of $4.98 million, despite eating millions in dead money.

The team's interior unit has been reinforced with the signing of Cole Strange and the drafting of Jake Slaughter, making Penning's position less secure.

What Comes Next?

The Chargers' training camp starts on July 29, and the question remains why these former first-rounders could be at risk of losing their roster spots before Week 1.

Their next game is against the Arizona Cardinals on September 13, 2026.

The Chargers may use the potential cap space to make in-season trades or bring in free agents who fit better into Harbaugh's system.