Chargers could see 2025 cap space rise this weekend

The Chargers could save over $6 million in cap space if they cut Trey Pipkins III after June 1.

This weekend marks one of the biggest landmarks of the NFL offseason as teams will now be able to make post-June 1 cuts to their rosters. For those unaware, June 1 is the date after which teams can cut players while being able to split up their guaranteed money or signing bonuses over the span of two seasons instead of taking the hit all at once. That is why we see a number of team transaction with a “post-June 1 designation” attached to them well before the actual date arrives.

When it comes to the Chargers, one possible June 1 cut on their roster is offensive lineman Trey Pipkins III. The former third-round draft pick in 2019 is only one season removed from starting at right tackle for the Chargers and was most recently the starter at right guard in 2024. Unfortunately his play along the interior forced the team to find an upgrade this season (Mekhi Becton) and now Pipkins is set to battle with a host of other players for a potential starting job at left guard.

Seeing as he’s never played guard on that side before in his professional career, I foresee him failing to earn a starting job in training camp. Although, I do see the role of swing tackle still being up for grabs. The thing is, do the Chargers want to pay $9.2 million for a part-time player? Pipkins’ current 2025 cap hit is the fifth-highest on the team. As smart and savvy Joe Hortiz wants to be while building the team, this contract remaining on the books this year just doesn’t seem like something he would allow to stay.

If the Chargers do choose to cut Pipkins following June 1, the team would save nearly $7 million. If you add in the fact that a Rashawn Slater extension is on the horizon, the team’s cap space could get a whole lot larger before training camp arrives. That would further increase the chances for Hortiz to make a big swing for a preseason trade that could further propel the Chargers into the “contender” tier.

However, knowing who Jim Harbaugh is and how he likes to play football, I can understand it if he felt Pipkins’ versatility as both a guard and tackle was worth the money. Also, he’s the main backup to both tackle spots. It may go against the grain on how teams should value certain roles, but this is his team and as we’ve come to say over the last year-plus, “In Harbaugh We Trust.”