New Free Agents Receive Jersey Numbers

The San Diego Chargers have been very active in free agency even if they haven't been making the biggest splashes. They have added a number of quality players at several positions that will either start or provide great depth. One of the more interesting issues that comes up after the ink has dried is the issue of jersey numbers. Some players are attached to certain numbers, having used them their whole career. The issue ends up that a player on the new team already wears that number. At this point, there are two solutions. First, accept a new number and start a new chapter. Second, pay for the number. This is always an interesting case because it doesn't have to be just cash. Just ask how good this can be for former Giants punter Jeff Feagles. Feagles swapped numbers twice in New York, earning a paid vacation to Florida for his family (Eli Manning/10) and a renovated kitchen (Plaxico, 17, never paid). Here is the list of new free agents and their new numbers and extra information when possible.

#6: Charlie Whitehurst, QB (same number he wore with team before trade to Seattle)
#11: Eddie Royal, WR (wore number 19 in Denver)
#12: Robert Meachem (wore number 17 in New Orleans)
#13: Roscoe Parrish (wore number 11 in Buffalo)
#27: Atari Bigby (wore number 20 in Green Bay and number 27 in Seattle)
#33: Le'Ron McClain (wore 44 in Kansas City and 33 in Baltimore)
#41: Nick Polk (was a member of the team who missed all of last season)
#50: Ricky Elmore (wore number 57 with Green Bay)
#58: Demorrio Williams (wore number 51 in Atlanta and 53 in Kansas City)
#87: Michael Spurlock (wore numbers 17, 81 in Tampa Bay and 18 in San Francisco)
#88: Donte Rosario (wore number 88 in Carolina and 49 in Denver)
#96: Jarret Johnson (wore number 95 in Baltimore, used by Shaun Phillips)

Spurlock Joins the Chargers

It appears that the Chargers are adding even more depth at wide receiver and returner with the signing of former Buc Micheal Spurlock. Spurlock has spent time with several teams in the league and is mainly a return specialist. His most memorable moment came in 2007, when he returned a kickoff 90 yards against the Atlanta Falcons for the Bucs. It was the first kick returned for a touchdown in Buccaneers history. At that time, the team had already been in existence for 32 years. San Diego appears to be stockpiling depth at reciever and returner. This now gives the Chargers 4 viable options in the return game with Eddie Royal, Micheal Spurlock, Roscoe Parrish, and Richard Goodman. I have to think that at least 1 if not 2 of these players will be cut before the start of the season. If I am Richard Goodman, I am on my toes.

San Diego Chargers Add More Depth at Receiver

The Chargers have added yet more depth at the receiver position today, signing former Bills receiver Roscoe Parrish to a 1 year contract. Parrish was mainly a punt returner for the Bills. Parrish is injury prone, having missed a total of 22 games the last 2 seasons. He missed 8 in 2010 due to a broken wrist and 14 games in 2011 due to an ankle sprain. It seems that Parrish will be injury assurance for new Chargers receiver Eddie Royal. Parrish was selected in the 2nd round (55th overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft. Parrish was a speedster who impressed the Bills with a 40 yard dash time of 4.37 seconds. He struggled with injuries throughout his career with the Bills. At worst, he ends up on IR while only having a 1 year contract. This is a great value pickup due to his return ability and cheap price. The odd man out may be Richard Goodman, who was expected to be the backup returner. I would imagine a position battle between these two in camp.