NFL Rumors: Cutting Marcus McNeill a No-Brainer for Chargers

We're getting to that time of year when players across the NFL start losing their jobs. Even the best players aren't safe.

Yeah, it's a brutal process, but it has to be done. In the NFL, all things serve the salary cap.

In San Diego, the word from Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune is that longtime left tackle Marcus McNeill is likely to be cut, which is not a huge surprise. McNeill used to be one of the best left tackles in the business, but injuries have taken their toll. McNeill's 2011 season was ended by a neck injury, and Acee notes that he is not expected to get a clean bill of health from the Chargers.

Per Rotoworld, McNeill is on the books for $10.5 million in 2012. The two-time Pro Bowler used to be worth that much, but not anymore. It sucks, but the Chargers need to make the best business decision here.

Assuming they do decide to cut McNeill, the Chargers will create an even bigger problem at left tackle, one that will have to be addressed this offseason.

One option would be to re-sign Jared Gaither, who they picked up off the scrapheap after he was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs. He played well after signing with the Chargers and could end up being the most cost-effective option.

This doesn't mean the Chargers wouldn't have to overpay to keep Gaither. The free agent market is almost totally devoid of solid left tackles, so Gaither picked a good year to become a free agent. His price will be inflated.

If the Chargers can't retain Gaither, they'll need a new starter at left tackle. If they do retain Gaither, they'll still need to find some depth for their offensive line this offseason.

Since the free agent market is lacking, this is a perfect opportunity for the Chargers to look to get O-line help in the draft. They have the No. 18 pick in the draft, and there will be some solid prospects available for the taking.

From a big-picture perspective, the good news is that the Chargers are not looking at a massive rebuilding project this offseason. They have some holes to fill and some tough decisions to make, but the pieces are in place for this team to succeed in 2012. 

If they don't, we might finally see them add some new pieces in the front office and in the coaching staff.