The Chargers are moving on from one of their longest-tenured players. ESPN’s Eric Williams reports (via Twitter) that the team is releasing safety Jahleel Addae.
Addae signed a four-year, $22.5MM deal with the organization back in 2017. The 29-year-old was set to earn $11MM over the next two seasons, but the organization had an opportunity to get out of the contract. The Chargers are apparently opting for that route, leaving the team with $1MM in dead cap.
The former undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan had spent his entire six-year career with the organization. He started all 16 games in each of the past two seasons, including a 2018 campaign where he compiled 75 tackles, one sack, three passed defended, and one interception. While Addae had previously earned high marks via Pro Football Focus, he was ranked 76th among 93 eligible safeties in 2018.
With Addae out of the picture, the team will now have a bit more money to throw at safety Adrian Phillips, who is set to hit free agency. The 26-year-old earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2018. This move could also provide a playing opportunity for former fourth-rounder Rayshawn Jenkins.
Thank goodness. Now resign Phillips!
So long Friendly Fire.