They are converting Jake Gervase from safety to ILB. He's a lot faster and quicker than Howard. Howard had issues with situational awareness. Perhaps the most glaring was him trying to run after a game-winning INT. Gaines had to chase him down and tackle him to make sure he didn't fumble. That is unacceptable, as a former Charger fan, I've seen that too many times. After he made the INT I was screaming at the TV for him to get down. It wasn't the first time his head wasn't in the game. It's why he wasn't the starter at MLB.
The cap savings will probably allow them to sign OBJ.