Chargers News: Chargers Make Unexpected Roster Moves Ahead of Final 53 Announcement

The Los Angeles Chargers have finalized their roster, trimming down to the required 53 players ahead of the upcoming season . As part of this process, the team made several notable cuts, including tight end Donald Parham Jr. and linebacker Shaq Quarterman, both of whom have four years of NFL experience.

In total, the Chargers waived 31 players. Among the offensive cuts were guards Willis Patrick and Karsen Barnhart, offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood, center Brent Laing, tight ends Isaac Rex, Luke Benson, Tucker Fisk, and Zach Heins, as well as quarterback Luis Perez and running backs Elijah Dotson and Isaiah Spiller. The wide receiver group also saw changes, with Jaelen Gill, Isaiah Wooden, Cornelius Johnson, and Jaylen Johnson being released.

On the defensive side, the team waived defensive linemen Jerrod Clark, CJ Okoye, and Christopher Hinton, along with safeties Akeem Dent, Jalyn Phillips, and Thomas Harper. Outside linebackers Ty Shelby, Andrew Farmer, Savion Jackson, and Tre-Mon Morris-Brash were also let go, as were linebackers Shane Lee, Jermian Jean-Baptiste, and Frank Ginda, and cornerbacks Matt Hankins, Zamari Walton, and Robert Kennedy.

Spiller, who was a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, struggled during his time with the Chargers, finishing his preseason with just 13 yards on nine carries and totaling 184 scrimmage yards over two seasons. Parham, the most experienced player cut, had been with the Chargers since 2020, recording 67 receptions for 764 yards and a career-high four touchdowns last season.

Leatherwood, a former first-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, was signed by the Chargers in May but has now been waived by three different teams in three years. Cornelius Johnson, the Chargers' final draft pick this year, is the only rookie not to make the team.

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Additionally, Jackson, who was briefly waived earlier this month, has been let go again. Perez, who led the United Football League in passing yards and touchdowns last season, also leaves after a short stint with the Chargers.

As the Chargers prepare for the season, these roster decisions highlight the team's commitment to building a competitive squad.