AFC West Foe Loses All-Pro Team Captain to Retirement
By Joe Summers
Former Los Angeles Chargers All-Pro and team captain Corey Linsley has been released and retired from the NFL after a 10-year career with the Green Bay Packers and Chargers. While expected, the Chargers lose not only a quality player but a team captain as well.
He'd been Los Angeles' starting center for the last three years, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors in 2021. Linsley was expected to retire, though it's a big blow to the Chargers' offensive line nonetheless with new head coach Jim Harbaugh looking to transform the organization's on-field performance.
Against a ferocious Chiefs' defensive line, their AFC West rival will now have a new starting center protecting Justin Herbert.
Chargers' All-Pro C Corey Linsley Set to Retire
The #Chargers have released veteran center Corey Linsley, who is set to retire.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 5, 2024
Lindsey was limited to just three games in the 2023-24 season due to a heart condition, ultimately leading to this retirement. Originally drafted in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Packers, Linsley rose to being widely regarded as an elite center.
Los Angeles' offense has a long list of question marks going into next year. Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler have all left the franchise, leaving Herbert with an unproven supporting cast in a new offense.
Chiefs fans weren't worried about the Chargers, though this latest news gives more credence to the argument that Los Angeles is essentially punting this season in hopes of competing in 2025-26. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have five straight wins against their division rival and it's reasonable to think they'll make it seven after this year.
Linsley was a worthy competitor. We're hoping the best for his long-term health and congratulate him on his retirement. For now, this move leaves the Chargers unprepared, once again, to challenge the NFL's two-time defending champions.
Kansas City has the best odds to win the AFC West at FanDuel Sportsbook, sitting at -230 with the Chargers in second at +350. The Chiefs hope to win the division for the ninth time in a row, so I'd argue those odds are a steal.
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