Inglewood, CA — The Los Angeles Chargers entered their early Week 5 bye with a strong 3-1 record, but rather than resting on the beach, they made some surprising moves to reshape their roster. Despite a solid start to the season, General Manager Phillip Rivers and head coach Jay Cee saw room for improvement, leading to a pair of signings and a notable release. Veteran edge rusher Bud Dupree was cut just months after signing a two-year deal, while former first-round pick K’Lavon Chaisson and veteran defensive lineman Lawrence Guy Sr. were brought in to bolster a defense looking to improve its pass rush and overall depth.
Bud Dupree Released: A Short-Lived Tenure
Bud Dupree’s time with the Chargers has come to an abrupt end. Signed this past offseason to a two-year, $6 million contract, the 31-year-old veteran edge rusher was expected to be a key rotational piece behind Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. However, after four games, Dupree had failed to record a single statistic despite playing snaps in each contest.
The Chargers’ decision to release Dupree might have surprised some, especially given the team’s thin depth at edge rusher with Chris Rumph II out for the season. However, the coaching staff clearly felt Dupree wasn’t providing the impact they needed, and with only $2.7 million guaranteed on his contract, the financial loss was minimal.
Dupree’s departure paves the way for younger talent to emerge. Second-year edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu has impressed in his limited snaps, recording several tackles for loss and earning a much higher PFF grade than Dupree. Although Tuipulotu has yet to register a sack, his disruptive presence in the backfield has made him a bright spot in the Chargers’ defensive rotation at just 21 years old. Dupree, on the other hand, is able to rush the passer and stuff the run effectively with his athleticism, strength, and experience. It’s very possible another team picks him up sooner than later.
K’Lavon Chaisson: A Fresh Start
In a corresponding move, the Chargers signed 25-year-old former first-round pick K’Lavon Chaisson. Chaisson, a talented but underperforming pass rusher, had been left unsigned after spending his first four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The former LSU standout came into the NFL with high expectations, but inconsistent play and injury setbacks kept him from reaching his full potential in Jacksonville.
Now, Chaisson finds himself with a second chance in Los Angeles, humbled and eager to prove himself. “I know I’ve got to earn my spot on the field, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes,” Chaisson said in his first media appearance with the Chargers. “This is a fresh start for me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Chaisson’s addition injects youth and potential into the Chargers’ edge rotation, especially considering the aging status of starters Khalil Mack who’s 33 and Joey Bosa who is 29. While Mack and Bosa are still performing at a high level, the team knows it needs to begin planning for the future. The Chargers are hopeful that with the right coaching and development, Chaisson can finally tap into the talent that made him a first-round pick in 2020.
The new depth duo of Tuipulotu and Chaisson provides a young, high-upside alternative to the veteran-heavy pass rush that Los Angeles has leaned on in recent years. Both players will be counted on to rotate in and provide consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and if all goes swimmingly, Bosa and Mack will rub off on them. Chaisson was immediately injured in practice once signing, but he shouldn’t be sidelined long as it was a minor injury.
Lawrence Guy Sr.: Veteran Presence on the Defensive Line
Alongside Chaisson, the Chargers also signed veteran defensive lineman Lawrence Guy Sr., a 34-year-old known for his leadership and ability to stop the run. Guy, who spent the last seven seasons with the New England Patriots, brings a wealth of experience to a defensive line that has struggled with consistency. The Chargers’ run defense has been a point of concern early in the season, and adding a proven veteran like Guy could help shore up that unit.
Guy is expected to see immediate playing time, especially given the relative inexperience of his competition on the defensive line. With a mix of young players and veterans struggling to find their rhythm, Guy’s experience and work ethic could make him an instant contributor.
“Lawrence is a guy who’s seen it all,” head coach Jay Cee said. “He’s been a key part of some great defenses in his career, some of the best defenses of all time, and we’re excited to bring that level of professionalism and toughness to our locker room. We think he’ll be a big help to some of the younger guys, and he’s still got plenty left in the tank.”
Guy’s mentorship will also be invaluable to the younger members of the Chargers’ defensive line, including Tuli Tuipulotu and other rotational pieces. With Mack and Bosa’s best years potentially behind them, the Chargers are counting on their younger talent to step up — and having a seasoned veteran like Guy can only help in that development.
Community Engagement During the Bye
While roster moves dominated the headlines, several Chargers players used the bye week to give back to the local community. Quarterback Justin Herbert led a group of teammates in delivering clean water, food, and supplies to those in need across Los Angeles. Herbert has become known for his charitable efforts off the field, and this week was no different as he continued to make an impact in the city he calls home.
In addition, rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey spearheaded a voter registration drive, encouraging local residents to use their voices. McConkey, along with several other Chargers, spent the week engaging with fans and promoting civic engagement ahead of upcoming elections.
“It’s always important to remember that we’re part of a larger community,” said Herbert. “We play football for a living, but we also have the opportunity and responsibility to make a positive impact off the field.”
Looking Ahead: Denver Broncos in Week 6
As the Chargers exit their bye week, they’ll face a tough road test in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos, who are also sitting at 4-1 after a 37-30 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Denver’s defense, led by standout cornerback Patrick Surtain II, will present a formidable challenge for Herbert and the Chargers’ explosive offense.
The moves made during the bye week, particularly the addition of Chaisson and Guy, reflect a focus on shoring up the defense for the long haul. With a grueling schedule ahead, the Chargers will need all the reinforcements they can get if they hope to stay competitive in the AFC West and beyond.
The early bye has given Los Angeles time to reflect, regroup, and reshape the roster, but now the real test begins as they dive into the heart of their schedule. All eyes will be on Chaisson and Guy as they look to make an immediate impact on a Chargers defense with championship aspirations.
The Chargers enter Week 6 with fresh faces, new energy, and a commitment to building on their early success. Whether these moves will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: The 2024 Chargers are not standing still. They’re adapting, evolving, and staying aggressive as they pursue their ultimate goal — a deep playoff run.
