Chargers cut Bulaga to create cap space
The Chargers have parted ways with their prize free-agent acquisition from 2020.
Veteran right tackle Bryan Bulaga was released by the Chargers, the team announced Tuesday.
Bulaga, who signed a three-year, $30 million contract two years ago, played only 11 games with the Chargers. He missed the final 16 games of last season because of multiple injuries.
The Chargers saved $10.75 million in cap space by releasing Bulaga, according to OvertheCap. com. The Chargers used most of their cap space by re-signing wide receiver Mike Williams, trading for edge rusher Khalil Mack and adding cornerback J.C. Jackson and defensive tackles Sebastian JosephDay and Austin Johnson in free agency.
The Chargers now have money to spend to address their needs on offense and special teams after cutting Bulaga. Perhaps their biggest needs are on the right side of the offensive line with Bulaga's departure and right guard Oday Aboushi currently being a free agent.
Two years ago, the Chargers attempted to rebuild their offensive line in the post-Philip Rivers era by signing Bulaga and trading for right guard Trai Turner. Both were hampered by injuries, with Turner being released after one season.
It wouldn't be a surprise if Bulaga, 32, is considering retirement because of the injuries. He had a stellar career with the Green Bay Packers for 10 seasons
The Chargers released offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga, signed as a free agent two years ago.
and won a Super Bowl with them as a starting rookie in 2010.
Bulaga couldn't stay on the field for the Chargers, but he recruited his former Packers teammate and All-Pro center Corey Linsley, who signed a five-year, $62.5 million contract with the Chargers last season.
The Chargers finally got it right on the offensive line last year by signing Linsley, left guard Matt Feiler and drafting left tackle Rashawn Slater. The Chargers have 10 draft picks this year, including the 17th overall pick, to potentially fill out the right side of the offensive line.
Offensive tackle Storm Norton started 15 games in Bulaga's absence last season. Norton will return this upcoming season after the team placed a tender on him, but he likely won't be the top option to start at right tackle when training camp arrives.
Daniel returns as Herbert's backup
The Chargers started
Day 2 of free agency by retaining Justin Herbert's reliable backup.
Veteran quarterback Chase Daniel and the Chargers agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension worth $2.25 million, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday.
Daniel, 35, is entering his second season with the Chargers and 14th overall in the NFL.
Herbert often credited Daniel for helping him learn the new scheme implemented by Chargers offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, who operated a similar offense to what the New Orleans Saints have done for many years. Lombardi was Daniel's quarterbacks coach with the Saints for five seasons.
Herbert will have continuity for the first time in his NFL career with Lombardi calling the plays and Daniel returning to the quarterbacks' room. Daniel won the backup job last summer after competing with Easton Stick, the team's 2019 fifth-round pick.
“Him seeking me out for advice showed me how humble he is and how much he wants to learn,” Daniel said about Herbert last season. “It wasn't even about the offense. He asks me things like how I see the week going in season, how he should best prepare for this. I have some advice, but he's ultimately going to do what he thinks is best. I thought it was cool. Plus, he keeps me young.”
Herbert had a memorable second NFL season with 5,014 passing yards and 38 touchdowns. Daniel wasn't needed on the field, but his knowledge played a part in Herbert's development last season.