Brandon Mebane

Now 35, Mebane was released by the Chargers way back in the offseason and never latched on elsewhere. The 85th overall pick of the 2007 draft, Mebane spent the first nine years of his career in Seattle before a four-year stint with the Chargers where he served as a team captain all four seasons. A run-plugging nose tackle, Mebane recorded 18.5 career sacks, for fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, one interception, and 63 tackles for loss. Mebane started 176 career contests.

Los Angeles also released veteran LB Thomas Davis to clear cap space ahead of the free agency period. Mebane has spent the last four seasons with the organization after nine years with the Seahawks dating back to his 2007 rookie season. The veteran has played a full 16-game season just once over his last six years and should slide in as a rotational piece on the defensive line to close out his long NFL career.

The end of the road appears to be looming for the 35-year-old. Mebane, who contemplated retirement last offseason only to return for his fourth season with the Chargers, missed three games in 2019 due to injury, and posted his lowest tackle figures since the 2016 season as a result. Relatively deep along the defensive line, the Chargers could very well choose not to retain Mebane should the veteran nose tackle opt to play in his 14th professional season.

Mebane had been battling a knee injury that held him out of action for three consecutive contests prior to Thursday's loss. He played 34 defensive snaps for the team in his return, roughly equaling his playing time prior to the injury. The Chargers remain somewhat shorthanded at defensive tackle with both Justin Jones (shoulder) and Cortez Broughton (illness) sidelined, meaning Mebane could play a bigger role going forward if their absences persist.