The San Diego Chargers released offensive tackle Jared Gaither, the team announced Wednesday.
The move was not a surprise. Gaither was injured and limited to four games last season. He was placed on injured reserve Nov. 23 with a groin injury and also missed most of training camp the the first three regular-season games with a back issue.
Releasing Gaither will cost the Chargers $6 million against the 2013 salary cap.
The 27-year-old signed a four-year contract last March after coming to the Chargers in 2011 and starting the final five games that season.
Despite being considered one of the better left tackles in the NFL, Gaither previously was released by the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs during his seven-year career.