Los Angeles Chargers cut D.J. Fluker, Brandon Flowers

The Los Angeles Chargers have cut D.J. Fluker, Stevie Johnson, and Brandon Flowers to clear up cap space. 

Entering the 2017 NFL offseason, the Los Angeles Chargers are looking to upgrade a team that finished in last place in the AFC West in 2016. They’re clearing up some cap space, as they’re reportedly going to release Brandon Flowers, Stevie Johnson, and former first round pick D.J. Fluker.

Fluker has been a bust so far in his career, allowing over 20 sacks and committing over 20 penalties in his last four seasons. He allowed constant pressure, allowing a pressure in 42 of his 43 career games, which is terrible. The team tried to move him to guard, but his results there were even worse than they were at tackle.

Moving on from Stevie Johnson makes a lot of sense as well. He’s a talented receiver, but sadly, injuries have defined his career more than his stats. After netting 497 receiving yards in 2015, Johnson missed the entire 2016 season for the Chargers. At 30 years old, he’s clearly on the decline of his career.

Brandon Flowers was a former huge free agent signing for the team, but he isn’t living up to his deal. In three seasons with the Chargers, he has four interceptions. Injuries limited him to just six games in 2016.

Must Read: NFL Free Agency: Top Targets For Each Team

With these three moves, Los Angeles has an additional $21 million of cap space. It would make sense if this is so they can re-sign Melvin Ingram and Jahleel Addae. Both players are excellent defensive players, which the team lacks. Keeping them would be huge. They also might be preparing to make a run at someone like Alshon Jeffery, especially since they don’t have a first round pick and they need to get a number one wide receiver.