The Los Angeles Chargers revamped their offensive line, and veteran Trey Pipkins could be the odd man out as we approach training camp. Signed to a three-year, $21.75 million deal, the veteran enters the final year of his deal carrying a $9.25 million cap hit. This is a lot of money for a backup, and he doesn’t have a clear path to playing time. While he has the versatility to play tackle and guard, Los Angeles has one of the best offensive lines in the league, and no questions along the offensive line.
Because of this, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay believes the Chargers will cut Trey Pipkins in the coming months. Citing his high cap number and his relatively poor 2024, it’s safe to assume Pipkins will not make the Week 1 roster unless injury strikes. However, he should be able to find work away from Los Angeles. There aren’t enough good offensive linemen to go around, and the following three teams could sign the veteran if Los Angeles releases him.
“By releasing him, the Chargers would save $6.75 million against the cap and take on just $2.5 million in dead money,” Kay writes. “For a team currently working with a shade under $28 million in available space, the extra finances and roster spot should have more allure than an underperforming backup.”
Chargers Could Cut Trey Pipkins – New Suitors Likely
Possible Fits
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots had the league’s worst offensive line last year and must do something to improve life for franchise quarterback Drake Maye. While they addressed the tackle position with Morgan Moses and first-round pick Will Campbell, they still have work to do at left guard. Veteran Cole Strange is the frontrunner for the job, but he’s never lived up to his first-round draft capital and hasn’t played for most of the past year and a half. If the Chargers cut him, Trey Pipkins could compete for the starting guard job while providing invaluable depth at both tackle positions.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs offensive line is in a bit of disarray. While they retained right guard Trey Smith, they needed to trade veteran Joe Thuney to clear enough money to keep him around. Now set to watch second-round tackle Kingsley Suamataia compete for the left guard spot, Trey Pipkins could provide some competition if the Chargers release him. Much like his potential fit with the Patriots, he’ll primarily fight for guard but could provide backup for a precarious tackle situation.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks will live and die with Sam Darnold this year, which means they must fix the offensive line. Darnold played well in a controlled environment last year, but his time in New York and Carolina shows he can’t succeed with a poor supporting cast. Seattle needs offensive line upgrades at most positions, and Trey Pipkins should be able to emerge from the depth chart and earn a starting spot. He’s no All-Pro, but he will make life easier for Darnold.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
