Chargers captain is a cap casualty

The Chargers continued moving toward salary cap compliance Tuesday by releasing veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks.

The decision opened $6.5 million in cap space, leaving them $19.1 million over the threshold of $255.4 million, per overthecap.com. The deadline to be at or under the cap is March 13, the first day of the new league year.

Kendricks, who turned 32 less than a week ago, was a team captain last season, when he started 14 games and was second among the Chargers with 117 tackles.

Last March he signed a two-year deal that guaranteed him $6.75 million. Kendricks, a former UCLA standout, was due to pick up a $1.25-million roster bonus next week. The Chargers will have to make more financially motivated moves in the coming days.

Most notably, wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and edge rushers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa each have a cap hit in excess of $32 million.

Among that group, Williams appears to be the most likely to be released.

— Jeff Miller

Seattle released safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, and tight end Will Dissly, freeing about $24 million in cap space. Also released: Jacksonville cornerback Darious Williams and safety Rayshawn Jenkins ($16.6 million in space) and Miami linebacker Jerome Baker ($9.8 million in space) . ... Saquon Barkley moved closer to free agency when the New York Giants elected not to put a franchise tag on the star running back. ... Indianapolis put the nonexclusive franchise tag on receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Also receiving the nonexclusive tag: Carolina Pro Bowl outside linebacker Brian Burns ($24 million) . ... Players who received the franchise tag: Jacksonville pass rusher Josh Allen ($24 million); Baltimore defensive tackle Justin Madubuike ($22 million); Chicago cornerback Jaylon Johnson ($19.8 million) and Tampa Bay All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. ($17.1 million).