Explaining the Chargers’ Cap Situation After Minicamp

For starters, the Chargers had nearly $100 million in free cap space at one point, especially after moving on from names like Mekhi Becton before rebuilding the interior of the offensive line in front of Justin Herbert. 

Speaking of the interior of the offensive line, the Chargers have three new starters there. Here’s a look at the cap hits: 

• G: Jake Slaughter  ($1.4 million)
• C: Tyler Biadasz ($4.25 million)
• G: Cole Strange ($5.25 million)

So, what could be one of the best interior lines of the Herbert era features three starters with cap hits smaller than…kicker Cameron Dicker ($5.75 million). 

Not bad. Some of this boils down to how the Chargers smartly structure contracts. Other times, the Chargers just choose to go year-to-year with players, like with Khalil Mack and his latest one-year deal worth $18 million. 

Chargers extension and cut candidates cap notes

The Chargers have one massive contract extension candidate this summer: 

• EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu

Tuipulotu’s next contract could very well help reset the edge rusher market. Not to worry, though, considering just how much free cap space the Chargers have right now. He’s already a top 10 cap hit in 2026 as it is at $6.2 million. Shifting money around smartly and overall structure will keep him in the top 10, but nothing too wild. Keep in mind they already extended Derwin James, too. 

As for cut candidates, the fabled “June 1 designation” has passed. There’s only one realistic name worth bringing up: 

• EDGE Bud Dupree ($2.5 million in savings)

The Chargers aren’t going to go out of their way to cut Dupree to save money. But he could very well end up losing a job in training camp as the competition gets stiffer thanks to Akheem Mesidor in the first round and at least one notable undrafted free agent. 

Overall, though, the Chargers aren’t making blockbuster splashes, and it shows on the accounting sheet, for better or worse.