Receiver Keenan McCardell was released Thursday by the Chargers, who also got rid of linebacker Steve Foley and safety Terrence Kiel, both of whom had multiple run-ins with the law.
The moves came several hours before the start of free agency.
"The way we evaluate players, you're a Charger one year at a time," GM A.J. Smith said. "You're judged off the field, on the field, production and work ethic."
Chargers Release McCardell, Foley, Kiel