LIUGET RESTRUCTURED AND SIGNS OF DISCONTENT AMONG PLAYERS

As voluntary workouts begin for the Chargers today. There is some friction growing between the front office and among some of the players themselves. Facing a 4 game suspension and an expensive base salary of $8.5 million dollars in 2018, the team restructured DE Corey Liuget contract who was their 2011 first round draft pick. Due to the suspension Liuget is already out of two million dollars in salary for 2018. That will be forwarded to the team 2019 cap space.

 This move was actually expected and not a surprise. However, the previous move by the team last night has shown there is some displeasure about the moves being made this offseason in the locker room.  The Chargers finished 9-7 last year but won 9 of their last 12 games and just missing the playoffs.

Since then they have signed on...
1. K Roberto Aguayo to a future's contract http://pfref.com/pi/share/cnmmK

2. K Caleb Sturgis http://pfref.com/pi/share/4gXZ3

3. TE Virgil Green https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeVi00.htm#receiving_and_rushing::none

4. C Mike Pouncey http://pfref.com/pi/share/ERMub      

5. DB Jaylen Watkins http://pfref.com/pi/share/zSbaE

6. QB Geno Smith http://pfref.com/pi/share/OoAnT

They have lost G Kenny Wiggins, C Matt Slauson, LB Jeremiah Attaochu, ILB Korey Toomer and now DE Chris McCain. WR Tyrell Williams has yet to sign his 2nd round tender. Tyrell made both big plays and crucial mistakes throughout 2017. A inconsistent year but showed signs of flashes worthy of a 2nd round tender.

Tre Boston and Antonio Gates remain on the free agent market as the draft approaches now in 10 days.

The moves have started to gather discontent among some players and they took to social media to share their thoughts on the off season moves as I wrote here https://tpchargers.blogspot.com/2018/04/another-charger-takes-to-social-media_15.html

The player that Keenan Allen is referring to as signing that guy most speculate to mean QB Geno Smith.

The Chargers have to weigh not ruining the chemistry built with each other in 2017 and making the team better in 2018. It should be noted Chris McCain and Keenan Allen did go to the same high school and college together so some frustration of how McCain was treated is fair. McCain was a favorite in both the clubhouse and in the locker room.

McCain before each and every game would grab a child in the stands and bring them on the field with him for pre game. One of those children is Killy who is battling brain cancer and has become beloved by many Charger fans who have grown to know and follow his condition.

                                       

The move to rescind Chris McCain right of first refusal just doesn't make sense to many as he was productive and a high quality character that the team seems to admire so much. McCain played in 15 games in 2017 and recorded 2 forced fumbles, 17 tackles and 5 sacks. The Chargers roster while among one of the tops in the AFC does have glaring holes that prevented them from taking the next step into the playoffs last year. Creating another hole where it wasn't needed has many questioning what the hell are they thinking. McCain wanted to be with the team in 2018 but the Chargers have simply stated they changed their mind. Even when one has to wonder where that mind is currently shoved up. I decision that is now being questioned amongst the players and well as some fans.

Chris McCain final message to Charger fans on his twitter account .."thanks for the opportunity. I’m gonna miss the walks I had with the kids before every game. Those walks with the kids are what had me motivated and ready for every game and helped me with my best season. CHARGERS FANS I THANK YOU!"

No Chris McCain the pleasure was ours to have gotten to watch and enjoy you as a player and a person. Good luck to you sir!