Lots of signings today, including several for the Chargers. Here is a rundown of some of the bigger signings of the day.
San Diego Chargers: San Diego opened the day by inking LT Jared Gaither to a 4 year deal. With the resigning of Hardwick and Gaither, San Diego returned valuable continuity to the offensive line. San Diego then reached out to 2 former Ravens in OLB Jarret Johnson and FB Le'Ron McClain. McClain spent last season with the Chiefs. McClain will bring an aggressive nature to the run blocking and also can contribute as a spot carrier or a goal line option. With McClain blocking for him, Ryan Mathews should have no excuse not to have a monster year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: As Charger fans know, Vincent Jackson signed a 5 year, 55.55 million dollar contract with Tampa Bay. That was a huge purchase for the Bucs, but they were not done spending by any means. The team had also targeted former Saints guard Carl Nicks and corner Eric Wright, formerly of the Detroit Lions. Both signed with the Bucs. In the last 2 days, the Bucs have spent well over 100 million on free agents. Both Jackson and Nicks are Pro-Bowl players and Wright showed promise with the Lions. Tampa Bay is spending big. In my mind, they are the winners so far in terms of free agency, but we should be cautious of signing big name free agents and expecting results, cough cough Philly.
Dallas Cowboys: have also been active in free agency, inking deals with former Chiefs Brandon Carr (CB) and Kyle Orton (QB). Carr is the biggest signing as the secondary was a big weakness for the Cowboys last season. Another signing is former Texans FB Lawrence Vickers. While these might not all carry the same weight as the Bucs big deals, these are all good signing. Orton has starting experience in Chicago and Denver. He also stepped in for the Chiefs last season.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Jacksonville retained the services of Jeremy Micney (DE) and Dwight Lowery (SS), as well as DT C.J. Mosley and LB Allen Russell. Mincey and Lowery are the biggest retainments for the Jags. They also signed former Cowboy and Charger Laurent Robinson. Robinson was a camp cut for the Chargers last season. San Diego had also been pursuing Robinson, but appeared to back off after signing receiver Robert Meachem. Jacksonville also brought in former Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne. The team seems to be content with letting Luke McCown leave. Some are saying that Henne has been brought in to put pressure on first round pick Blaine Gabbert, but I really think it is the team bringing in a quality backup. They have invested to much money on Gabbert and the signing of Robinson should indicate the teams commitment to Gabbert.
San Fransisco 49ers: The 49ers retained corner Carlos Rodgers, which means that their defense will retain all 11 starters from last year's team. This was a defense that was fierce and aggressive. I expect them to add more depth to the unit and try to find some more receivers. QB Alex Smith has not yet resigned, but after the way that he played last year, I expect him to be back.
Check out
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-hot-100/ for a list of the top 100 free agents and their activity.
San Diego has brought back reserve tight end Randy McMichael. To me, this seems to be a great move. With the injury history of Antonio Gates, McMichael has seen plenty of playing time the past few seasons. San Diego also brings back a veteran who can help mentor a young tight end if the Chargers want to go that route in the draft. People often forget that McMichael was a very successful tight end for the Dolphins and Rams. Being able to learn from both him and Gates would only seem to be a benefit to a young player. McMichael was used heavily as a blocker, and with the addition of LeRon McClain, I expect San Diego to have a much improved running game.
