San Diego Chargers cut veteran fullback Le’Ron McClain

Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego, CA- After restructuring the contract of receiver Eddie Royal to save cap space last night, the Chargers continued their desires to clear cap space by releasing this morning veteran fullback Le’Ron McClain. The release of McClain saves the San Diego Chargers $2.5 million in cap space and leaves the Chargers $833,334 in dead money.

McClain a two time Pro-Bowler was entering the final year of his three-year contract with the Chargers. McClain played 154 offensive snaps this season, averaging about nine snaps per game and contributed on special teams.

Fullback Zach Boren who the Chargers signed in January is now the only fullback left on the roster.

Unfortunately the release of McClain was expected, as while the two time Pro-Bowler still remains one of the best blocking fullbacks in the league. The Chargers just don’t use the fullback enough in Mike McCoys offense, to really need an expensive fullback.

Especially with the Chargers needing to upgrade their secondary, pass rushers and offensive line, paying your fullback $2.5 million in salary was just too much.

McClain a seven year veteran was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 4th round of the 2007 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama. In 2008 McClain had his best year as a Pro, rushing for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns on 232 carries as the teams fullback/running back. McClain made his first Pro Bowl that season for the Ravens. McClain would spend the next two seasons as the Ravens fullback, making the Pro Bowl again in 2009, before signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2011 and then the Chargers in 2012.