Chargers create cap space, cut Kendricks

Linebacker Eric Kendricks was released by the Chargers on Tuesday, a move that frees up $6.5 million in salary cap space.

Kendricks, from UCLA, signed a two-year deal with the Chargers last season after eight years with the Minnesota Vikings. He played in 15 games, including 14 starts, and was second on the team with 117 tackles.

Even with Kendricks’ release, the Chargers are nearly $19 million over the $255.4 million salary cap with free agency set to begin next Wednesday. The new brain trust of coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz inherited a roster with four players — linebackers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams — who have cap numbers of at least $32 million for the 2024 season.

“It’s still a work in progress. The (coaching) staff really just got finalized,” Hortiz said about the roster evaluation process during last week’s NFL Scouting Combine. “Obviously, the salary cap got bumped up a little bit higher than I think everyone was expecting, a little bit more. It gives us, certainly, some flexibility a little bit, more increased flexibility. We’ll continue to talk through that over the next couple of weeks and have a plan of attack shortly.”

Teams use franchise tags on key players

The Jaguars used their franchise tag on standout pass rusher Josh Allen in advance of Tuesday’s deadline, essentially guaranteeing he will play at least another year in Jacksonville.

Allen, drafted seventh overall in 2019, set a single-season franchise record with 17½ sacks in the final year of his rookie contract and is 10 shy of the team’s career mark.

Jacksonville’s non-exclusive franchise tender, assuming Allen signs it, would guarantee him $24 million in 2024. The Jaguars and Allen have until July 15 to work out a longterm deal. If they don’t, Allen would be forced to play under the tag or sit out and risk losing millions.

• Others receiving franchise tags Tuesday: Carolina outside linebacker Brian Burns, Baltimore defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, Tampa Bay safety Antoine Winfield Jr., Indianapolis receiver Michael Pittman Jr., and Chicago cornerback Jaylon Johnson.