Linsley previously said he was “99 percent” sure he would retire this offseason and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted he is “set to retire” when reporting the transaction. The Chargers also restructured his contract earlier this offseason in anticipation of the announcement. Linsley’s retirement should be made official sooner rather than later. The veteran center played for 10 years, the final three of which came in Los Angeles. He earned one Pro Bowl nomination and one First-Team All-Pro nod during his decade of football. The Chargers signed Bradley Bozeman in March as a potential replacement for Linsley.

According to Yates, the Chargers lowered Linsley’s base salary from $11.5 million to the minimum for next season, creating $10.29 million in cap space. If Linsley were to retire after June 1st, the Chargers can spread out his dead cap hit over the next two years. This is significant because Linsley said at the end of the season that he was “99 percent” sure he’d retire this offseason. The veteran center was placed on injured reserve with a “non-emergent” heart issue last season and was limited to just three games as a result. While it’s still early in the offseason, this restructuring hints at Linsley walking away at a time that will be convenient for both him and the Chargers.

Linsley was initially listed with an “illness” on the team’s injury report, but we now know he’ll miss at least the next four weeks with this heart issue. We don’t yet know the severity of Linsley’s heart issue, but with Condon classifying it as “non-emergent"it doesn’t sound like it’s something the team is concerned with as far as the long-term is concerned.

Linsley has not practiced all week and there haven’t been any concrete updates on his status. He could also be sidelined for Week 5. Will Clapp will likely start in Linsley’s place versus the Raiders.