The Los Angeles Chargers have cut ties with veteran cornerback Brandon Flowers, on the same day the team released offensive tackle D.J. Fluker and wide receiver Stevie Johnson to free up cap space.
Chargers cut Brandon Flowers, 2 other veterans
Flowers is still a skilled player, but the Chargers didn’t deem him valuable enough to pay him $11 million this year.
Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
“Parting ways with men I’ve gotten to know and respect is the toughest part of this job,” Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said. “I want to thank Brandon for his contributions and his professionalism throughout his three years with us. I wish D.J., Brandon, Stevie, and their families all the best in the future.”
Flowers, originally a second-round pick by the Chiefs, signed a blockbuster free agent deal with his former team’s division rival Chargers, agreeing to a four year, $36.4 million contract with $20 million guaranteed.
With his release, the Chargers have some much-needed cap space to work with:
Early on, Flowers played up to his contract, tallying three interceptions and 10 passes defensed in 2014, his first year in San Diego. Unfortunately for both Flowers and his team, however, injuries have plagued the cornerback for years. Flowers missed 17 games over the past three seasons, including 10 last year. The veteran defensive back hasn’t played a full 16-game season since 2011 — the lone year in his career Flowers managed to stay on the field for all 16 games.
Things looked promising for the 31-year-old corner early in 2016, as the veteran recorded a pick-six in the preseason and notched another in Week 9. But, as mentioned, injuries spoiled the corner’s attempt at a comeback season.
Likely carrying the dreaded “injury-prone” label, Flowers will now look for a new home. He’s talented enough to sign as a top-three cornerback, but teams will certainly be wary of Flowers’ injury history and shaky 2015 season.
See More:
