Former Tennessee Vol becomes collateral damage after once franchise cornerstone Keenan Allen reunites with the Los Angeles Chargers
The VFL was the odd man out in a notable NFL move
Former Tennessee Volunteers tight end McCallan Castles spent a decent bit of time in Southern California in 2024 in the first year of his professional career after leaving Knoxville. With a general lack of impact talent ahead of him on the roster, there appeared to be a potential opportunity there for Castles.
Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Chargers had other plans this week, announcing it had waived Castles on Wednesday. The move accommodated a reunion with six-time Pro Bowler and once franchise cornerstone WR Keenan Allen, who the team signed this week.
Allen played for the Chargers from 2013-2023 before spending last season in Chicago. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2017-2021 and 2023.
Castles, who spent time on Los Angeles’ practice squad last season after going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, was listed earlier this week on the Chargers’ depth chart as a backup. Veteran tight ends Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin were listed as co-starters. While both players have had modest success as pass catchers, neither is what you would consider a substantial receiving threat in the passing game.
The Chargers did add former Syracuse TE Oronde Gadsden II in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, which gives the passing game an added threat to develop. However, it’s disappointing to see Castles drop off the roster this early in the preseason. Castles logged no action in the team’s preseason opener last week against the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game.
We’ll see if the former Vol gets another shot, as teams across the league this week transition from training camp to preseason action.
