Los Angeles Chargers release former first-round pick Jerry Tillery

The Los Angeles Chargers have made a surprising roster decision before the football weekend gets underway. Former first-round pick and Notre Dame star Jerry Tillery has been waived, the franchise announced on Thursday evening. The defensive lineman was in the midst of his fourth season with the Chargers.

“Jerry has been a valued member of our organization since arriving in 2019,” Los Angeles General Manager Tom Telesco said in a statement. “This was not an easy decision but, after careful consideration, it was a necessary one that is in the best interest of both team and player. We wish Jerry well moving forward in his career.”

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Tillery was a late selection in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, going No. 28 overall. He played in 59 games with Los Angeles and started in 29 of them. Having 10.5 career sacks, Tillery also added 57 tackles, and three forced fumbles.

Performances were not adding up this season prior to being wavied, not starting for the Chargers. Tillery had just five tackles, a sack, and one of his forced fumbles. With expectations being production of a first-round pick, Los Angeles felt like the time to move on was right.

Tillery should not be without a home for long, with teams looking to claim him off waivers beginning on Monday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said multiple teams considered trading for the defensive lineman before the deadline. He should be a popular guy after Week 10.

“DL Jerry Tillery will not officially be waived until Friday, which means he cannot be claimed until Monday,” Schefter said via Twitter. “Considering that multiple teams expressed interest in trading for him before the deadline, Tillery is expected to be claimed.”

Depending on where he ends up signing, Tillery could be ready to contribute in Week 11.