Sources: Chargers save $40M on reworked deals

COSTA MESA, Calif. – The Los Angeles Chargers have solved their salary cap woes without having to release any formidable playmakers ahead of the new league year on March 15, enabling them to keep together the pillars of a roster that the organization hopes can challenge in the AFC West and make a deep playoff run.

The Chargers went into the offseason $20.5 million over the salary cap, causing uncertainty whether their core group of players – who earned their first playoff berth since 2018 before suffering a historic 31-30 wildcard playoff loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars — would remain intact.

However, the Bolts restructured the contracts of edge rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, a league source told ESPN’s Field Yates, which created a combined $40.37 million in salary cap space and enables the team to become salary cap compliant with $19 million in salary cap space before Wednesday’s deadline.

Reworking the deals of Bosa and Mack created $25.99 million, while the restructuring of Allen and Williams deals created $14.37 million in space. Earlier this week, they also reworked the deals of wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, which created $14.3775 million in cap space. Despite their cap compliance, roster moves remain a possibility as the team prepares to fill needs in free agency.

The Bolts are not expected to retain starting safety Nassir Adderley and linebacker Drue Tranquill, both of whom are scheduled for free agency, but are expected to attempt resigning right tackle Trey Pipkins III.

The Chargers also are on the clock to sign Justin Herbert to a blockbuster deal, with the quarterback now eligible for an extension as he prepares for the fourth season of a five-year rookie deal.