SerpApi.Org
3 Chargers cut candidates on chopping block entering 2026 NFL training camp appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Many things point to Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert having a big year. It’s the kind of thing analysts love. But for Herbert to soar, the roster must work. And here are three Chargers cut candidates on the chopping block entering the 2026 NFL training camp.
The Chargers have high aspirations. It might not be Super Bowl or bust. But if you ask someone like head coach Jim Harbaugh, that’s probably how he feels.
To get there, the Chargers will have to pull the right strings on cut day. And there will be some close calls.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
WR Derius Davis
Life in the NFL. It’s just not fair sometimes. Davis might feel that way. But despite his value on special teams, a deep receiver room has moved him to the cutting edge.
The Chargers have Ladd McConkey leading the way. He’s joined by Quentin Johnson and Tre’ Harris in the starting lineup. Also, Brenen Thompson and KeAndre Lambert-Smith are ahead of Davis on the depth chart, according to ESPN.
Still, Dalevon Campbell, Luke Grimm, and JaQuae Jackson all want their shot at what will possibly be a four-man battle for one spot.
Davis earned All-Pro honors as a rookie. But that was 2023. The honor came from his role as a kick returner. And this year, the Chargers have guys like Keaton Mitchell and Thompson who can bring back kicks.
Injuries have been a problem for Davis. And he has been unable to earn any kind of significant snap count when the Chargers have the football. In three seasons, he has a total of 30 catches for 188 yards. However, he at least found the end zone twice.
Last year, Davis managed only two catches for 10 yards.
Still, Davis can flat-out run. And that speed may be what saves him this summer. Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel knows a thing or two about maximizing speed from his receiver group.
And there’s talk of the Chargers knocking things out of the park on offense, according to Sports Illustrated.
“For a few years now, it’s felt like there’s a divide in the way the public sees (Herbert) and people inside the NFL discuss him—sort of like how Matthew Stafford as a Lion was more highly regarded inside the NFL than he was by people outside it,” Albert Breer wrote. “And now, Herbert’s getting Mike McDaniel as his OC, and his tackles back. I don’t think a league MVP season is out of the question.”
LB Troy Dye
The Chargers have a chance to be reasonably solid with their off-ball linebackers. Dye could add to the situation by providing depth. That’s if he makes the cut.
A six-year veteran, Dye has experience on his side. After starting only eight games in four years with the Vikings, Dye got five looks in 2024. And last year, he started seven games. He also posted a career-high 58 tackles last year with five for loss.
There is a possibility that Dye could be a cost-saving cut because of his cap number. The Chargers could save $2.15 million, according to overthecap.com.
That’s not huge, but it’s not insignificant, either. The Chargers have Denzel Perryman and Daiyan Henley at the head of the linebacker group. And they have Junior Colson, Del’Shawn Phillips, and Marlowe Wax in the mix.
Dye probably needs to work hard and have a good camp to stick around.
Edge rusher Bud Dupree
Age matters, and Dupree is 33 years old. Gone are the days when he could threaten double-digit sacks. He totaled 11.5 in 2019 with the Steelers. And he added 8.0 the next year.
Over the next five years, Dupree has 21 sacks with the Titans, Falcons, and Chargers. He’s coming off the lowest total of his career, getting just two in 16 games last year. His tackles for loss also registered as a career low with only two.
Dupree also fits the cap-saving move. The Chargers could bank almost $2.5 million by cutting him loose, according to overthecap.com. And with a young buck like Akheem Mesidor in the mix, Dupree figures to get squeezed out.
One potential crack in the door is beating out Kyle Kennard. A fourth-round pick in 2025, Kennard did little to impress in his rookie season. He played in only five games and had two tackles with no sacks.
There’s still a possibility that Dupree sticks. Veterans matter for Super Bowl contenders. But things will have to fall into place for him.
Like ClutchPoints’ content? Be sure to follow us.
Related: Analyst sends ‘dizzying’ warning to defenses about new Mike McDaniel Chargers’ offense
Related: 1 surprising Chargers player who could make or break 2026 NFL season
