Chargers release Linsley before expected retirement

The Los Angeles Chargers released center Corey Linsley, the team announced Wednesday.

Linsley is expected to retire after missing most of the 2023 season with a heart-related medical issue.

The 32-year-old signed a five-year, $62.5-million contract with the Chargers in 2021. Los Angeles will save $1.2 million in cap space this season after the release, according to Spotrac.

Linsley suited up in 33 games with the Chargers and was a team captain over the last three seasons. He earned second-team All-Pro honors and secured a Pro Bowl nomination in 2021.

"Corey is everything you hope for and more in an NFL player," Chargers President of Football Operations John Spanos said in a statement. "The consummate professional, his mentorship of younger players, work ethic, integrity, leadership, competitive drive and sense of humor all played a role in earning him the 'C' on his jersey throughout the entirety of his time with us."

The Green Bay Packers selected Linsley in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He started 99 games during his tenure in Green Bay after earning the job out of training camp of his rookie season. The Ohio State product had a breakout campaign in 2020, earning First-Team All-Pro honors.

Linsley will finish his career with 1,572 straight pass block snaps without allowing a sack, per PFF, the longest active streak in the NFL.

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