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| SD - Max Starks expected to play LT - |
San Diego Chargers OT Max Starks, who was signed to an undisclosed one-year deal Tuesday, May 21, is likely to become the team's starting left guard this year. Starks will likely replace OT King Dunlap at the position, with OT D.J. Fluker, the team's first-round pick, starting at right tackle.
| SD - Sign Max Starks - |
The San Diego Chargers signed OT Max Starks (Steelers) Tuesday, May 21. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Footballguys view: This was a move the Chargers needed to do. Their offensive line has been a problem for years but they've made strides this offseason to strengthen their tackles. In the first-round they selected D.J. Fluker (Alabama) to play right tackle. Starks should be in line to start for the Chargers on the left side. Protecting QB Philip Rivers will help him bounce back in 2013.
| SD - Kevin Haslam released - |
The San Diego Chargers released OT Kevin Haslam Tuesday, May 21.
| SD - Manti Te'o looking good - |
San Diego Chargers LB Manti Te'o has been looking good during the team's organized team activities this week, but the team hasn't been in pads yet. Te'o displayed good balance and looked faster than on film while staying low. He looked smooth in pass coverage but not very fluid in his retreat. He lined up next to LB Donald Butler as the 'mike' linebacker in 11-on-11 drills. In rookie drills, he worked at both inside spots. Te'o said the team's 3-4 scheme is similar to what he played in at Notre Dame.
Footballguys view: Te'o has to prove critics wrong and show that he can be a three down player at the pro level. He made improvements as a senior at Notre Dame but may have trouble staying with athletic move TEs in coverage.
| SD - Taking things slow with Vincent Brown - |
The San Diego Chargers are taking things slowly with WR Vincent Brown (ankle) during organized team activities because he is working his way back from a serious ankle injury. He said he is completely recovered from the injury but understands why the team is being cautious. He expects to be ready for the start of training camp.
Footballguys view: It's a good move by the Chargers. Brown has upside as he is a strong route runner and incredibly strong hands and concentration. He could become a favorite target of QB Philip Rivers if he's healthy.
| SD - Kyle Nelson waived - |
The San Diego Chargers have waived LS Kyle Nelson.
| SD - Manti Te'o working with starters - |
San Diego Chargers LB Manti Te'o is working with the first-team defensive during organized team activities Monday, May 20.
Footballguys view: No surprise here. Te'o has to prove he can be a three down player in the NFL. He had seven interceptions last year, but four of them were off tipped passes. Questions still abound about his ability to cover NFL caliber TEs.
| SD - Manti Te'o being shielded from media - |
San Diego Chargers LB Manti Te'o will be kept from facing the media until the team starts their minicamp June 11-13.
| SD - Quentin Jammer discusses his future - |
Free-agent CB Quentin Jammer (Chargers) hopes to re-sign with the San Diego Chargers. The veteran defender not yet been identified by new Chargers general manager Tom Telesco as a priority to re-sign. Jammer noted he has spoken with the Chargers and the door for his return is not completely closed. <p> "I know there was speculation about me retiring. I'm, like, who said that?" Jammer said. "I would never retire. I definitely don't want to go into retirement and then regret retiring and try to play later. I want to play while I still feel great."
| SD - Coach thinks Dwight Freeney fits defense - |
San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy said he believes DE Dwight Freeney will be a perfect fit for the team's defense because of his pass-rush ability.
Footballguys view: We wouldn't call Freeney a 'perfect' fit at all. He struggled in a 3-4 defense last year with the Colts and will play in a 3-4 with the Chargers this season. The Chargers are saying they'll be creative with the way they use Freeney to play to his strengths.
| SD - Dwight Freeney agrees to terms - |
The San Diego Chargers have agreed to terms with free-agent DE Dwight Freeney (Colts) on a two-year deal. Reports say it's a two-year deal worth $8.75 million. The deal could be worth as much as $13.35 million because of incentives in the contract that are tied to sacks.
Footballguys view: No surprise here. The Chargers needed to strengthen their pass rush after losing Melvin Ingram to a knee injury earlier this week. Freeney struggled to impress in a 3-4 defense last year and only recorded five sacks on the season. Many expected him to return to a 4-3 where he would be more comfortable but that's not the case. The Chargers run a 3-4 under John Pagano (Colts head coach Chuck Pagano's brother) and they've hinted they would tinker with the defense to better fit Freeney's skill set.
| SD - Philip Rivers to have big role - |
San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy said the team will ask QB Philip Rivers to play a huge role in reducing the learning curve for the rest of the bodies on offense this year. 'We're going to throw as much of the offense as Philip can handle,' McCoy said. 'When he tells us to slow down, we'll slow down.' Rivers said the practices with new head coach McCoy have been designed for more intermediate passes than in recent years.
Footballguys view: We like Rivers as a bounce back QB this year. McCoy is a coach known to be versatile in his play calling and he will fit the offense around the skill set of those in the lineup. Rivers' current ADP is QB20 and he's coming off the board at the end of round 12.
| SD - Thomas Keiser signs - |
The San Diego Chargers signed free-agent LB Thomas Keiser (Panthers) to an undisclosed deal Thursday, May 16.
| SD - Dwight Freeney takes physical - |
Free-agent DE Dwight Freeney (Colts) took a physical for the San Diego Chargers Thursday, May 16. While he has not signed a deal yet, the meeting with the team went well.
Footballguys view: If he passes his physical then we could see an offer submitted by the Chargers. The team needs pass rushing help after losing Melvin Ingram to a knee injury earlier this week.
| SD - Impressed with Dwight Freeney - |
The San Diego Chargers were impressed with their visit with free-agent LB Dwight Freeney (Colts), and head coach Mike McCoy would consider altering their defensive scheme to accommodate him. The Chargers use a base 3-4 defense, but Freeney was less effective in that setup with the Indianapolis Colts last season when he moved to outside linebacker.
Footballguys view: It's an interesting fit for Freeney given his struggles in the 3-4 last year with the Colts. The Chargers have a huge need for pass rushing help since losing Melvin Ingram to a knee injury earlier this week.
| SD - Melvin Ingram's surgery scheduled - |
San Diego Chargers LB Melvin Ingram (knee) is tentatively expected to undergo reconstruction surgery of his left anterior cruciate ligament next week, a source said. The renowned Dr. James Andrews will perform the operation. Ingram is expected to miss the 2013 season, before returning to the field in 2014 at or near full strength. LB Larry English is the current in-house leader to start in Ingram's place, although the club is looking into free agent possibilities, including free-agent LB Dwight Freeney (Colts).
| SD - Larry English hopes to take over starting job - |
San Diego Chargers LB Larry English said he hopes to earn the starting outside linebacker job that LB Melvin Ingram (knee) held before his injury. 'I'm just concentrating on being able to provide what the team needs. [Head coach Mike McCoy] emphasized to all of us that now is the time for someone to step up and provide what we'll miss from Melvin, and I have that opportunity now to be the guy the team needs,' English said.
| SD - Dwight Freeney visiting - |
The San Diego Chargers will visit with free-agent DE Dwight Freeney (Colts) Wednesday, May 15.
Footballguys view: That came together quickly. With Melvin Ingram likely lost for the season with a knee injury the team needs to add to their pass rush. Freeney is one of the best veteran pass rushers left on the open market but is coming off two down seasons. The Chargers run a 3-4 defense and that's the scheme Freeney struggled in last year. He would be a better fit as a DE in a 4-3 front.
| SD - Several LBs needed to step up - |
The San Diego Chargers were expected to have LBs Melvin Ingram (knee) and Jarret Johnson at outside linebacker in Week 1. However, Ingram is likely done for the season, meaning LB Larry English might be in line for a bigger role. The team also has LB Tourek Williams, a sixth-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, as well as LBs Frank Beltre and Devan Walker on the roster. The team is expected to explore their options in free agency.
| SD - Melvin Ingram tears ACL - |
San Diego Chargers LB Melvin Ingram (knee) suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the second day of organized team activities (OTAs) Tuesday, May 14. He is scheduled to receive further evaluation before undergoing surgery.
Footballguys view: A crushing blow for the Chargers here. Ingram could miss the entire 2013 season because of this injury. The Chargers pass rush is dangerously thin right now. Expect them to consider adding free agent DE Dwight Freeney (Colts). Freeney and new GM Tom Telesco are familiar with each other from their days together with the Colts.
| SD - Philip Rivers praises Manti Te'o - |
San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers praised LB Manti Te'o in his first practice with the team Monday, May 13. 'It didn't seem like he was lost or anything ... he didn't stand out, which was a good thing,' Rivers said.
Footballguys view: Rivers has seen plenty of defensive flops for the Chargers. It's a good sign that Te'o is impressing him early on in camp. Te'o has to prove that he can be a three down player at the NFL level.
| SD - Jeromey Clary works at OG - |
San Diego Chargers OT Jeromey Clary worked at right guard with the starting offense during the organized team activities Monday, May 13.
| SD - Marcus Gilchrist works with starters - |
San Diego Chargers CB Marcus Gilchrist lined up at safety opposite FS Eric Weddle with the starting defense during organized team activities Monday, May 13.
| SD - Meeting with Winston Justice - |
The San Diego Chargers are schedule to meet with free-agent OT Winston Justice (Colts) Monday, May 13.
Footballguys view: The Chargers are still looking for help on the offensive line. They lost out on LT Bryant McKinnie (Ravens) earlier this month and still have a need at left tackle. The interest in Justice is curious as he's mostly played right tackle in the NFL. The Chargers added D.J. Fluker (Alabama) in the first-round of the 2013 NFL draft to start at right tackle.
| SD - Money not holding up D.J. Fluker deal - |
The San Diego Chargers' negotiations with first-round draft choice OT D.J. Fluker is not being held up because of money but the offset language in the contract is an issue. Fluker likely will not sign until the picks around him sign with their teams.
| SD - Keenan Allen does not have problem with knee - |
San Diego Chargers WR Keenan Allen (knee) said he did not have any setbacks or discomfort with his knee while participating in the team's rookie minicamp.
Footballguys view: Good news for Allen here. He could really be one of the steal's of the draft if he can stay healthy and play up to his potential. Allen is a linear athlete who can make difficult catches seem routine.
| SD - Steve Williams agrees to terms - |
The San Diego Chargers have agreed to terms with fifth-round draft choice CB Steve Williams on a four-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Footballguys view: Williams was a surprise junior entry into the NFL draft. He lacks size, measuring in at 5'8" 181 pounds. Williams makes up for that with a tenacious attitude and the speed to stay on the hip of opponents.
| SD - Keenan Allen takes part in practice - |
San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy said WR Keenan Allen (knee) participated in all of the drills during practice Friday, May 10.
Footballguys view: Good sign for Allen here. Last year he suffered a PCL injury and it's slowed him down in the pre-draft process. He's well on the road to recovery and should be getting stronger as we get closer to training camp.
| SD - King Dunlap would be fine with addition of OT - |
San Diego Chargers OT King Dunlap would not be upset if the team added another offensive tackle in free agency because he was not promised anything when he signed with the team.
Footballguys view: The Chargers are looking at adding Max Starks to the mix on the offensive line. He'd compete with Dunlap to be the team's starting left tackle. They drafted D.J. Fluker in the first-round of the 2013 NFL draft to start on the right side.
| SD - Positive meeting with Max Starks - |
The San Diego Chargers had a positive meeting with free-agent OT Max Starks (Steelers) Wednesday, May 8, but no deal has been reached at this point.
| SD - Keenan Allen terms - |
The San Diego Chargers signed third-round pick WR Keenan Allen to a $2.81 million deal with a $613,800 signing bonus.
Footballguys view: Allen was a steal for the Chargers in the third-round. He was once considered a top 25 pick but fell in the draft due to a lengthy recovery from a 2012 PCL injury. He'll immediately compete for playing time opposite Danario Alexander.
| SD - Four draft picks signed - |
The San Diego Chargers have signed second-round draft choice LB Manti Te'o, third-round draft choice WR Keenan Allen, sixth-round draft choice DE Tourek Williams and seventh-round draft choice QB Brad Sorensen. Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
Footballguys view: Te'o will be an interesting player to watch at the pro level. He's got high football intelligence and can quickly diagnose plays in front of him. Te'o had seven interceptions last year but four were off tipped passes and questions about his ability to cover still abound. Allen has great upside at a position of need for the Chargers. He's a linear athlete who can make difficult catches seem routine. Allen will compete for playing time behind Danario Alexander.
| SD - Max Starks likely would be favorite for LT job - |
Free-agent OT Max Starks (Steelers) likely would be the favorite for the San Diego Chargers' left tackle job if he signed with the team.
| SD - Max Starks visiting - |
The San Diego Chargers are meeting with free-agent OT Max Starks (Steelers) Wednesday, May 8.
Footballguys view: No surprise here. The Chargers lost out on Bryant McKinnie (Ravens) when he decided to stay in Baltimore. They selected D.J. Fluker (Alabama) in first-round of the 2013 NFL draft but he's going to play right tackle. The team's O-Line needs more upgrades and they are far from a finished product.
| SD - Need better production from ground game - |
The San Diego Chargers were tied with the Detroit Lions for the fewest rushes (4) of 20 yards or more in 2012. They were one of two teams to average less than 2.0 yards (1.9) before contact per rush (Steelers 1.7).
Footballguys view: Part of these woes are on the running backs (Ryan Mathews, etc) and part of this problem is on the offensive line. The team upgraded the O-Line when they added RT D.J. Fluker in the first-round of the 2013 NFL draft. We'll see if Mathews can stay healthy and produce better numbers this season in what is a make or break year for him.
| SD - Two could be options at LT - |
The San Diego Chargers may go into the 2013 season with OT King Dunlap or Kevin Haslam as their starting left tackle.
Footballguys view: The Chargers addressed their need on the right side of the line when they selected RT D.J. Fluker (Alabama) in the first-round of the 2013 NFL draft. They need better protection for QB Philip Rivers and they need to open better holes for the ground game. The Chargers were one of two teams (Steelers, 1.7) to average less than 2.0 yards before contact per rush (1.9).
| SD - Haven't talked to Max Starks - |
The San Diego Chargers haven't reached out to free-agent OL Max Starks.
| SD - Considering position change for Marcus Gilchrist - |
The San Diego Chargers plan to take a look at CB Marcus Gilchrist as a safety during offseason workouts to see if that is the best fit for him. Gilchrist has received reps at the position during the workouts and is open to switching positions.
| SD - Not progress in talks with Max Starks - |
The San Diego Chargers have not made any progress in contract talks with free-agent OT Max Starks (Steelers).
Footballguys view: The Chargers lost out on Bryant McKinnie (Ravens) so they are still in the market for help on the offensive line. Talks fell apart with Eric Winston (Chiefs) earlier this year but perhaps the team would be willing to reopen them.
| SD - King Dunlap could start in 2013 - |
San Diego Chargers OT King Dunlap could be the team's starting left tackle this season if the team does not add another left tackle in free agency.
| SD - Mike Hermann signed - |
The San Diego Chargers have signed undrafted free-agent QB Mike Hermann (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
| SD - Feel Manti Te'o can play in passing situations - |
San Diego Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said he considers LB Manti Te'o someone very capable of staying on the field on passing downs at the NFL level. 'Manti was an excellent third-down player at the college level, especially in zones, especially in his football awareness as far as knowing where routes are coming from, knowing where to pass off a route and pick up another,' Telesco said. 'He has an innate sense of knowing where people are coming from, not only to take on blocks and avoid blocks but as far as pass receivers coming through his zones. He has the capability of being a three-down linebacker.'
Footballguys view: Te'o had zero interceptions in his college career entering the 2012 season. He dropped weight and worked on his coverage skills and as a senior he had seven interceptions for the Fighting Irish. We'll see if he can continue this trend and be a three down player for the Chargers.
| SD - Manti Te'o may not play on third downs - |
San Diego Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said LB Manti Te'o has one of the highest football IQs he has ever been around. He said Te'o excelled in zones, had great football awareness and an innate sense of where to be. However, Telesco said it remains to be seen whether Te'o is able to excel in third-down situations as a rookie or if it will come in time.
Footballguys view: Te'o made plays in coverage as a senior at Notre Dame, hauling in seven interceptions in 2012. We'll see if he can prove those same coverage skills now that he's with the Chargers.
| SD - Make offer to Bryant McKinnie - |
The San Diego Chargers have made an offer to free-agent OT Bryant McKinnie. Negotiations are ongoing.
Footballguys view: The Chargers reportedly had a good visit with McKinnie and want to move forward. They selected OT D.J. Fluker (Alabama) in the first-round of the 2013 NFL draft but he's strictly a right tackle. McKinnie could step in and start right away on the left side.
| SD - Bryan McKinnie taking physical - |
The San Diego Chargers are giving free-agent OT Bryant McKinnie (Ravens) a physical and meeting with him Wednesday, May 1.
Footballguys view: It looks like McKinnie could be close to signing with the Chargers so long as the physical is good. He would be a good fit for the team as their starting left tackle. The Chargers added OT D.J. Fluker (Alabama) in the first-round of the 2013 NFL draft. He's likely going to start on the right side and help provide better pass protection for Philip Rivers.
| SD - Meeting with Bryant McKinnie - |
Updating a previous report, San Diego Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said Tuesday, April 30, that the team is 'exploring' the possibility of signing free-agent OT Bryant McKinnie (Ravens). The two sides are meeting for dinner.
Footballguys view: The Chargers added talent to their interior O-Line in the 2013 NFL draft. They still need help on the outside at Tackle to help protect QB Philip Rivers. McKinnie has drawn interest from the Ravens and the Dolphins as well.
| SD - Reached out to LaDainian Tomlinson - |
San Diego Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said Tuesday, April 30, that retired RB LaDainian Tomlinson is in great shape, and he asked about the former Chargers' running back's availability. 'You couldn't help but think about it,' Telesco said.
Footballguys view: The Chargers are looking for help with their ground game. Ryan Mathews has not been effective as a starter and has been held back by injuries and inconsistencies.
| SD - Will meet with Bryant McKinnie - |
The San Diego Chargers are scheduled to meet with free-agent OT Bryant McKinnie (Ravens).
Footballguys view: The Chargers added D.J. Fluker (Alabama) in the first-round of the 2013 NFL Draft but he's a Right Tackle. Adding McKinnie would make sense for the team as he could step in and start on the left side.
| SD - No contact with Bryant McKinnie - |
The San Diego Chargers haven't reached out to free-agent OT Bryant McKinnie (Ravens) since the NFL Draft.
Footballguys view: It's a bit surprising the Chargers haven't reached out here given the need at the position. McKinnie was key in the Ravens postseason run and did a fine job stepping into their Left Tackle position. The Chargers added D.J. Fluker (Alabama) in the first-round of the 2013 NFL draft but he's a better fit at Right Tackle.
| SD - Were interested in LaDainian Tomlinson returning - |
Retired RB LaDainian Tomlinson said San Diego Chargers general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Mike McCoy asked him if he was interested in playing for the Chargers in 2013. Tomlinson said he never serious considered a comeback.
Footballguys view: This is mostly a comment on the Chargers lack of depth at running back, but it can't reflect well on their view of Ryan Mathews. Tomlinson said that the team told him he would 10-12 carries a game, which means they were prepared to have Mathews in a committee. They may sign a veteran to put him in a timeshare backfield yet.
