The Los Angeles Chargers made several decisions to help construct the required 53-man roster for the 2026 season.
Among the moves made by Los Angeles was a pair of trades on Sunday, Aug. 30.
The Chargers sent cornerback Avery Smith to the Seattle Seahawks for a sixth-round pick in the 2027 draft. The Bolts also traded away defensive lineman TeRah Edwards to acquire a 2028 sixth-round pick from the Carolina Panthers. The trades will become official pending physicals.
Safety Tony Jefferson appeared to be in jeopardy of being cut by the Chargers. He's spent nearly 11 seasons playing in the NFL, including the last two with Los Angeles. He was expected to be released by the Chargers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jefferson is now expected to remain
with the Chargers after the team made the trade that sent Smith to Seattle.
Chargers cut only punter on the roster
Starting punter J.K. Scott was among the most notable cuts.
Scott did not have a strong preseason performance. He shanked a 20-yard punt that put the Rams in good field position during the preseason finale. He also averaged 33.7 yards on three punt attempts. Scott was also criticized for avoiding contact and not tackling receiver Jacob Cowing, who returned an 83-yard punt for a touchdown, during a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Scott was the only punter on the roster.
Strong preseason showing not enough for Gregory Desrosiers
Running back Gregory Desrosiers put together a strong outing in the preseason finale, but it was not enough to secure a spot on the roster. Desrosiers produced 118 yards and a touchdown on nine carries against the Rams. His longest rush of the game was 34 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Chargers choose Trey Lance over DJ Uiagalelei
Quarterback Trey Lance won the quarterback competition against DJ Uiagalelei. Uiagalelei, a California native, was waived by the team on Sunday, but he might have an opportunity to return as a member of the practice squad if he clears waivers, according to NFL reporter Tom Pelissero.
Jim Harbaugh cuts former Wolverine
Linebacker Marlowe Wax, a 2025 undrafted free agent, secured a spot on the roster over Junior Colson. Colson was a 2024 third-round selection from the University of Michigan, where he played under coach Jim Harbaugh during his college career.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Los Angeles Chargers' 53-man roster: Who was cut before deadline?
