Brandon Flowers Reportedly Released by Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers reportedly released oft-injured cornerback Brandon Flowers on Tuesday. 

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network first reported the Chargers' decision. Adam Caplan‏ of ESPN noted the defender's $9 million base salary was set to become fully guaranteed Saturday if not for the roster move.

Flowers' release is not a surprise. He's 31 years old and has missed 15 games over the past two seasons, including 10 games in 2016 because of concussion problems. 

At the beginning of February, Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported the Chargers were "likely" to cut Flowers. 

The team gave him a four-year, $36.4 million contract extension prior to the 2015 season, and he has recorded one interception over 17 games since that time. 

Before the 2016 campaign, Eric Eager of Pro Football Focus named Flowers' contract as the NFL's third-worst among all cornerbacks:

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One of the better cornerbacks in the league at one time, the former Chief was one of the worst cornerbacks in the NFL last year, finishing with the 109th overall grade at the position. He gave up the seventh-most yards per coverage snap last year among cornerbacks (1.71), with the passer rating of 123.4 into his coverage being 11th-worst. 

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The Chargers have built solid depth in the secondary, so they don't have to worry about opening up a roster spot by Flowers' release. Casey Hayward was one of the NFL's best free-agent signings last year, recording a career-high seven interceptions. 

Behind Hayward, Trovon Reed appeared in the last six games of the regular season. Jason Verrett has the potential to be a strong slot cornerback, though he has his own health concerns with at least 10 missed games in two of his first three seasons. 

Flowers' future in the NFL isn't as bright as it once was. He was often terrific during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, making the Pro Bowl in 2013, but his age and his concussion issues last season make him a significant risk for any interested team. 

If Flowers is willing to accept a small role next season, he will be able to find a cheap one-year deal to rebuild his value.