Chargers Surprise Cut #1: Joshua Kelley
I really like rookie running back Elijah Dotson out of Northern Colorado. But neither he nor Larry Rountree III is why I put Kelley as one of my surprise cuts. Kelley is here because there are still a lot of free-agent running backs on the market. Some of those backs might prove to be a better option behind Austin Ekeler. If the Chargers decide to bring one of them in, that could make Kelley the odd man out.
I don’t see the team cutting unproven talents like Isaiah Spiller or Dotson when they know they will likely be without Ekeler, and those two are potential replacements. They are at least the kind of weapons you could see new Chargers’ offensive coordinator Kellen Moore putting to use. Kelley is not that. He is a serviceable enough backup in the NFL, but he isn’t a guy you want to give the ball to down-to-down. I don’t see the Chargers keeping more than four running backs to start the season, especially with a crowded receiver room. That might leave Kelley as a surprise cut this camp.
Chargers Surprise Cut #2: Jalen Guyton
Chargers WR Jalen Guyton (15) – Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
Jalen Guyton is probably good enough to be a top-four receiver on an NFL roster. But with the depth of talent on the Chargers’ roster, Guyton might not even be good enough to be on it.
Bringing in Quentin Johnston with Mike Williams and Keenan Allen in Los Angeles for at least another season pushes everyone else down a spot in the receiver’s room. So that leaves Guyton in an interesting spot. Allen, Williams, Johnston, and Josh Palmer are ahead of him. Derius Davis might not be ahead of Guyton right now, but the Chargers aren’t going to cut the 4th round rookie. So while maybe not the sixth option, Guyton is the sixth receiver on the roster. And even if the Chargers keep six, he’s facing pressure from behind.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Chargers opt to keep Darrius Shepherd, Keelan Doss, or John Hightower over Guyton, especially if they think those alternatives offer a little more value on special teams. After solid years in 2020 and 2021, the idea of Guyton off the team in 2023 might have been a real shock. But after his injury trouble last year and the numbers game in the wide receiver room, Guyton might be a surprise cut this camp. Fortunately for him, he should find himself on another roster quickly.
Chargers Surprise Cut #3: Kenneth Murray Jr.
Chargers LB Kenneth Murray Jr. (9) – Kyusung Gong/Associated Press
When the Chargers didn’t pick up Kenneth Murray’s fifth-year option, it didn’t necessarily mean they were done with him. He’s a fine player, just not worth the money on that option. They could want him to play out this year and then sign him at a lower option for next year. Realistically, though, how often does that happen?
More often than not, the guys who don’t get their option picked up have another team see the talent and original draft grade and think they can unlock that potential. So they are willing to pay more than the team familiar with the player wants. And the player, disappointed that the start of their career didn’t work out like they hoped, probably wouldn’t mind a fresh start. In all likelihood, 2023 is Murray’s last year with the Chargers, and maybe he won’t even make it that long.
Murray’s fate depends on the development of third-round pick Daiyan Henley. It’s hard not to see him as Murray’s eventual replacement. If Henley comes in and has a phenomenal camp and preseason, maybe the Chargers will decide not to wait. Particularly if they think a demoted Murray might not serve the locker room, I could see him being a surprise cut.
