The Los Angeles Chargers have an impressive collection of edge defenders, meaning the team could cut former fourth-round pick Chris Rumph. Selected back in 2021, the Duke product spent the past three seasons in a rotational role on Brandon Staley’s defensive line. While a fractured foot limited him to just six games last season, Rumph found some success as a situational pass rusher. Back in 2022, he recorded two sacks, 15 tackles, and six quarterback hits while appearing in 15 games.
With Jim Harbaugh taking over, one news outlet believes that the Chargers could cut Chris Rumph as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract. According to Bleacher Report, the new coaching change could spell the end for the former fourth-round pick.
Chargers Could Cut Edge Defender Chris Rumph
Jim Harbaugh believes in winning with old-school football, so he loaded up on talented players capable of getting after the quarterback. Earlier in the offseason, the head coach kept Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa on the roster despite their inflated contracts and signed Bud Dupree to a modest deal. These three, combined with the presence of 2023 second-round pick Tuli Tuipulotu, means that the Chargers will probably cut Chris Rumph unless one of the aforementioned players suffers an injury.
Nobody knows what the future will hold for Chris Rumph if the Chargers cut him. His fourth-round draft capital isn’t anything to write home about, and his pedestrian play through three seasons suggests the league didn’t miss on him. Still, reliable pass rushers are a rare commodity in today’s NFL, so some team will give him a second chance, even if it is just on the practice squad.
Possible Next Teams
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals went 3-5 with a rusty Kyler Murray and just added several big-name prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. This team has the potential to surprise in the upcoming season, but they’ll need better edge defenders to push for a Wild Card spot. First-round pick Darius Robinson will help, but he’s only one man and can’t singlehandedly fix the entire defense. Chris Rumph might not be a true difference-maker, but the cut candidate can add some depth for Jonathan Gannon’s unit.
New Orleans Saints
Chris Rumph won’t beat out Cam Jordan or Chase Young for a starting job, but he can help replace one key depth piece if cut. Veteran edge defender Tonah Kpassagnon tore his Achilles, opening up a spot on the bottom of the roster. Rumph is not a starting-caliber player, but he should adequately replicate Kpassagnon’s production.
Baltimore Ravens
Few teams in the NFL have a stronger roster than the Baltimore Ravens. However, the biggest flaw on the team is the questionable depth on the edge. With Jadeveon Clowney in Carolina, Odafe Oweh will step up into the vacated starting spot. However, somebody must step up behind him, and Chris Rumph could be that player if cut by the Chargers. Baltimore has a history of getting the best out of journeyman defenders, so perhaps history can repeat itself with the Duke product.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have short-term answers at edge defender with Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum, but they lack any long-term solutions. With Brian Burns gone, Carolina should invest in a player who could develop into a reliable starter. Chris Rumph probably isn’t that player, but the cut candidate is only 25 and might grow in a new environment.
Kansas City Chiefs
While cornerback and wide receiver are bigger needs, the Chiefs should be passively interested in adding to their pass rush. Chris Jones and George Karlaftis excel at their respective jobs, but Kansas City could use a third option capable of getting after the quarterback. Chris Rumph probably won’t turn into that elusive third pass rusher, but the Chiefs should kick the tires to see if one division rival’s trash is another’s treasure.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez – USA Today Sports
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