DE Jacques Cesaire
If there was one cut that fans hated to see, it had to be that of nine-year veteran Jacques Cesaire. Cesaire began his career as a Charger back in 2003 as an undrafted free agent, and he's been the veteran presence on San Diego's D-line ever since.
Sadly, Cesaire was one of the very last cuts made, much to the disappointment of his teammates. But, like any veteran, Cesaire accepted the news like a true gentleman of the game.
It is what it is. It's a business. It's always a business first. All the vets told me that when I first came here. Whatever happens, happens. That's all I can say now." (via Michael Gelhken of U-T San Diego)
Cesaire was likely waived because of his age and the impending youth movement taking place on defense, but this crafty veteran could still make plays from the edge. No word yet on whether he'll land elsewhere, but his experience certainly does him justice as a worthy addition to any defense.
RB Jacob Hester
Yet another tough cut by San Diego on Friday. Jacob Hester began his career with the Chargers back in 2008 as a third-round draft pick, filling the role of backup RB, fullback and special teamer. Last season, Hester was a positive influence in the locker room and a special teams captain.
Hester's dismissal is somewhat of a head-scratcher considering the loss of Ryan Mathews, but the addition of veterans like Ronnie Brown and Jackie Battle, who are true running backs, likely caused him to be expendable.
Though he was considered family and one of the most well-liked members of the organization, Hester finds himself a free agent. The buzz on a new home for Hester hasn't kicked up yet, but Boston Globe staff writer Greg A. Bedard pointed out that the New England Patriots could benefit from the services of a veteran fullback like Hester.
K Nick Novak
Nick Novak could have easily taken the kicking job from Nate Kaeding, but spotty accuracy in the preseason did him in. Kaeding looked good after coming back from a season-ending ACL injury, and it's apparent that the Chargers felt he was the better choice over Novak.
Novak proved last season that he can help a team on short notice, so I'd expect him to be sitting near the phone this season in case someone goes down.
OT Anthony Davis and OT Mario Henderson
Veteran offensive linemen Mario Henderson and Anthony Davis figured to have a shot at making the roster with news of Jared Gaither's back problems, but the Chargers thought otherwise. Both cuts leave San Diego with a lone backup in rookie Michael Harris.
QB Jarrett Lee
No room for three quarterbacks on this roster. The rookie out of LSU looked so-so in the preseason, but Charlie Whitehurst stole the show, earning himself the right to be Philip Rivers' backup.
RB Edwin Baker
Even though Edwin Baker was the last of San Diego's picks in this year's drafts, we knew it wouldn't guarantee him a spot on the roster behind the bevvy of backs on the depth chart. Baker led the team in rushing during the preseason but judging from how the entire running backs unit performed, that really isn't saying much.
C Colin Baxter
Colin Baxter spent most of training camp battling rookie David Molk for the reserve center job, and apparently we know who won that battle. Molk came into San Diego with quite the college reputation at Michigan, and he must have proved that to get the nod over Baxter.
LB Bront Bird
Bront Bird, an avid performer on special teams, had a great preseason on defense, but he doesn't fit the bill of a guy who could come in and fill a hole at linebacker at any given moment, especially with the bigger names ahead of him.
DT Charlie Bryant, DE Logan Harrell and DE Damik Scafe
More casualties on the D-line similar to Cesaire. Talented guys like Antonio Garay, Kendall Reyes and Cam Thomas made the decision to release Charlie Bryant, Logan Harrell and Damik Scafe an easy one.
OLB Ricky Elmore and OLB Darryl Gamble
Similar situation to what happened to Bird. Both Ricky Elmore and Darryl Gamble are good special team guys, but expendable when it comes to every down linebackers.
CB Gregory Gatson, CB Arthur Hobbs and CB De'Andre Presley
Something tells me that the Chargers are pretty happy with Marcus Gilchrist and Shareece Wright as their reserves, especially after the game Wright had against the Dallas Cowboys in the preseason. Gregory Gatson and Arthur Hobbs just couldn't compete with that.
P Robert Malone
No real big surprise here. Robert Malone had no chance of beating one of the best punters in the league.
OG Stephen Schilling
The Chargers are keeping rookie OG Johnnie Troutman some way or another so they had to make room for him by releasing Stephen Schilling.
TE Kory Sperry
Kory Sperry just barely missed the cut on offense. The margin between him and the rest of the reserve tight ends was razor thin. For now, it looks like the Chargers will keep four tight ends.
WR Mike Willie
Very close cut here at wide receiver. Willie had glimpses of potential here and there in camp and during the preseason, but the Chargers seem to know who they want at wideout.
