The Los Angeles Chargers made a surprising move this week by releasing veteran defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day. The 28-year-old player started all 14 games for the Chargers this season and served as a team captain.
Joseph-Day is likely a cap casualty, although the timing of the move is curious. He was playing on a $6.5 million salary in 2023 and was projected to have a $10 million cap hit next year. The Chargers will now avoid that, considering his contract wasn’t guaranteed past this season.
Despite the Chargers’ struggling performances in 2023, Joseph-Day actually played well. He already matched a career-high 3.0 sacks while adding 31 tackles, including three for loss. His 11 QB hits ranked second on the team.
Joseph-Day, who previously also played with the Los Angeles Rams, is expected to have plenty of interest from playoff contenders. His career stats include 11.0 sacks, 224 tackles, and 31 QB hits.
The Chargers are in the process of cleaning house after firing head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco last week. Interim general manager JoJo Wooden made Joseph-Day’s release his first major piece of business since taking over, but more veterans could be on the move as the franchise looks to have a clean slate after a disappointing season.
