The San Diego Chargers released four players on Thursday afternoon, most notably six-year linebacker Donald Butler, in effort to open up more cap space.
Butler, who is two years removed from signing a 7-year, $51.8 million deal with the Bolts, announced his departure with a statement on twitter.
“It has been an amazing ride SD,” Butler said. “To my teammates and fans who have supported me throughout the last six years I am forever appreciative and grateful.”
In those six seasons, Butler made 432 tackles in 71 games, but only 43 of those tackles came in the 2015 season.
Butler reached a high point when he was named team captain in 2013 during which he accrued 84 tackles and 1 interception, but has been in a state of decline in the two years since.
In addition to Butler, running back Donald Brown and fellow linebackers Kavell Conner and Chi Chi Ariguzo were let go on Thursday.
Brown, a 7-year veteran, has been with the Chargers for the last two seasons, rushing for 452 yards and 1 TD in 23 games.
Conner, who came to San Diego from Indianapolis alongside Brown, had a strong 2014 season, but made only 22 tackles in 10 games in 2015.
Ariguzo never played a game for the Chargers after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2015.
