Jeromey

Clary

One of the worst offensive linemen in the league last season, Clary is currently set to make $2.85 million in 2012, but the Bolts apparently aren’t ready to give up on their longtime right tackle. Signed for roughly $11.5 million through 2014, Clary could still be asked to take a pay-cut before the season.

“The outside” consists of game-watchers not affiliated with the team. We noticed in the Chargers’ 2011 games that Clary was the offensive line’s weak link, particularly in pass protection. “They remember pressure that he gave up, or maybe he missed a block — that’s all that comes to mind,” said Hunter. “They give him no credit.” Clary is locked in as the Chargers’ right tackle for 2012. He graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 74 tackle among 76 in 2011.

Clary tried to strap it up with a brace but was unable to return. Kevin Haslam filled in while Rex Hadnot took over for LG Tyronne Green (hamstring). The result was little room for Ryan Mathews on the ground and four sacks of Philip Rivers.

Clary has started 78 career games, all at right tackle. After the selection of RT D.J. Fluker with the No. 11 overall pick last month, Clary is trying to make the switch to the interior. The 29-year-old graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 14 right tackle last season, but his pass blocking has long been sub-par. The Chargers current offensive line looks like this: LT King Dunlap, LG Chad Rinehart, C Nick Hardwick, RG Clary, RT Fluker.

It’s surprising they haven’t done it yet. Long a turnstile in pass protection, 29-year-old Clary should no longer be on scholarship in San Diego with old GM A.J. Smith run out of town. Clary’s 2013 base salary is $4 million.

San Diego used the No. 10 overall pick on Alabama RT D.J. Fluker Thursday night. They could save $2.3M in cap space by dumping Clary, but are not expected to do that anytime soon. They have a hole at guard after losing Louis Vasquez in free agency.

Clary started 14 games at right tackle last season, grading out 38th among 80 overall qualifiers according to Pro Football Focus. Thanks to the selection of Alabama’s D.J. Fluker and the loss of Louis Vasquez in free agency, Clary will kick inside. He’s a little oversized for the role at 6'6/320, but he accepts that he’s not an option at left tackle.

Dunlap exited last week’s loss to the Titans late in the fourth quarter with the concussion. LG Chad Rinehart (foot) has already been ruled out for this week against the Cowboys, while RG Jeromey Clary (clavicle) also isn’t practicing this week. Michael Harris is Dunlap’s backup. If you recall, Harris gave up ten sacks last season. DeMarcus Ware may have a field day.

San Diego is going to be without three starting offensive linemen against a Dallas defense that ranks second in the NFL in sacks (13). LG Chad Rinehart (toe) and LT King Dunlap (concussion) will also miss the game. This is a scary matchup for Philip Rivers; fire up the Cowboys’ fantasy defense.

The Bolts are currently over the NFL’s salary cap. Releasing 30-year-old Clary would clear $4.55 million. Clary kicked inside to guard after the team drafted RT D.J. Fluker in the first round last year. He started every game and graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 72 guard out of 81 qualifiers. San Diego has a number of veterans who could be cut, including Eddie Royal ($4.5 million), OLB Dwight Freeney ($3.5 million), and FB Le’Ron McClain ($2.5 million).