As the preseason winds down, the Los Angeles Chargers find themselves with a fascinating roster battle at edge rusher. Veteran star Khalil Mack and promising young talent Tuli Tuipulotu lead the way, but behind them, the fight for depth has become one of the most intriguing storylines of camp.
The spotlight has fallen on Caleb Murphy, a former undrafted free agent making the most of every opportunity. In the Chargers’ preseason win over the New Orleans Saints, Murphy delivered a breakout performance with two sacks—and nearly a third. Head coach Jim Harbaugh even said afterward that Murphy deserved credit for all three, a strong endorsement of the defender’s relentless motor.
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For Murphy, those moments matter. Entering the league undrafted in 2023 out of Ferris State, he faced an uphill climb against players with more pedigree. But his production in live reps is closing the gap, and his energy has stood out in practices. In a room featuring rookie Kyle Kennard, Murphy’s push is creating a healthy competition that raises the level of everyone involved.
The battle won’t be decided on past performance alone, though. The Chargers will look closely at the final preseason matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, where Murphy can put the finishing touches on his case for the 53-man roster. A strong showing against one of the league’s most physical offensive lines would validate his earlier performance and prove he can contribute against higher-caliber talent.
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Beyond rushing the passer, Murphy’s ability to carve out a role on special teams could be the deciding factor. Depth players must provide value across multiple phases, and Murphy’s size and toughness make him a natural fit for kick and punt coverage.
As roster cuts loom, Murphy has positioned himself as one of the Chargers’ most compelling underdog stories. Another big night against the 49ers could be the final piece that secures his spot and turns his underdog journey into a full-fledged NFL career.
This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Aug 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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