SBNation.com - Chargers Bring Back Antonio Garay With 2-Year Contract

Antonio Garay Returns To Chargers With 2-Year Contract

2012-03-29T19:52:08Z

The San Diego Chargers have lost a number of free agents this offseason, most notably WR Vincent Jackson, who signed a multi-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But they were able to keep one important component to their defense in house. According to Liz Mullen of Sports Business Journal, nose tackle Antonio Garay agreed to a two-year deal with the Chargers.

Garay has enjoyed the most success of his career with the Chargers. In the last two seasons he has started 28 games and notched eight sacks. He's performed well after Jamal Williams left three years ago.

He's also had some really weird hair in that time.

The Chargers have had a decent free agency period signing Le'Ron McClain and Robert Meachem as well as bringing back Jared Gaither. Luis Castillo and Steve Gregory have also left the team in free agency.

For more on the Chargers offseason, be sure to check out Bolts from the Blue.

Free Agent Mike Tolbert Signs With Panthers On 4-Year Deal

2012-03-19T15:29:25Z

In the 2008 NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers picked up RB Jonathan Stewart in the first round. In July 2011, the Panthers signed RB DeAngelo Williams to the tune of five years, $43 million. Now they're adding even more running back depth.

According to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora, the Panthers agreed to terms on a four-year deal with free agent RB Mike Tolbert, formerly of the San Diego Chargers.

Tolbert, 26, is a big running back at 5'9 and 247 pounds. He spent the first four years of his career in San Diego, with his best season coming in 2010 when he rushed for 735 yards and had 11 touchdowns. He caught 54 passes last season, so he offers some versatility.

This makes you wonder what Stewart's future in Carolina is. He's under contract for one more season, and it's hard to see the Panthers investing even more money into their running backs.

No word on how much Tolbert is being paid but it is probably a decent amount considering it's a four-year deal.

For more free agency updates, go to SB Nation's Panthers blog, Cat Scratch Reader.

San Diego Chargers Sign Eddie Royal To 3-Year Deal

2012-03-16T01:24:30Z

The San Diego Chargers have added a wide receiver to help fill the hole left by Vincent Jackson's departure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, by signing former Denver Broncos wide receiver Eddie Royal to a three-year contract, the team announced Thursday.

Royal was also reportedly being pursued by the Redskins, but after they signed Pierre Garçon and Josh Morgan, it was clear the Chargers had a more pressing need for Royal's services.

Royal will be 26 when the season begins and entering his fifth year in the league. He had statistically his worst season in 2011 as he struggled to get looks with Tim Tebow behind center. He finished with just 19 receptions and less than 200 receiving yards on the year. HIs best season was his rookie year in 2008 when he had 91 catches for 980 and five touchdowns. Royal is also an accomplished punt returner, with 967 career return yards and two career return scores.

For more on Royal and his new team, the Chargers, visit Bolts From The Blue.

Steve Gregory, Patriots Agree To 3-Year Contract

2012-03-15T22:02:59Z

The New England Patriots have been relatively quiet in free agency thus far, only signing defensive tackle Jonathan Fanene to a contract. On Thursday, they added some secondary help by signing former Chargers safety Steve Gregory. It's a three-year deal, according to his agent, David Canter.

The Patriots are also scheduled to visit with former Redskins safety LaRon Landry, according to reports.

Versatility is the key with Gregory, who can play safety and cornerback. He spent the first six years of his career with the Chargers, making 13 starts last season. He'll be able to contribute quickly in Bill Belichick's defense.

The Patriots' free-agency goals have been addressing the secondary and adding a receiver. Gregory helps with the secondary, but more moves will likely be coming. Brandon Lloyd remains a possibility at receiver.

For more free agency updates, go to SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit. And for more on Boston sports, check out SB Nation Boston.

Jarret Johnson, Chargers Agree To 4-Year Deal

2012-03-14T18:11:56Z

The San Diego Chargers have had a fairly quiet but solid start to free agency. They let Vincent Jackson walk but picked up Robert Meachem and also re-signed Jared Gaither.

Here's another signing: Jarret Johnson. The Chargers confirmed Johnson has agreed to a four-year deal. The deal is expected to soon be official.

Johnson was the Baltimore Ravens fourth round pick in the 2003 NFL draft. He's been a starter for the last five seasons and has 20 career sacks. He's 30 years old.

Free agent linebackers from the Ravens always seem to strike it rich because they're so productive. Johnson will be playing in a 3-4 defense in San Diego like he did in Baltimore.

Terms of the contract weren't disclosed.

For more on the Chargers offseason, be sure to check out Bolts from the Blue.

Free Agent Steve Gregory Visiting New England Patriots

2012-03-14T15:58:45Z

The New England Patriots entered free agency with a few key needs, including an upgrade to the secondary. The Patriots pass defense last season was good enough to land them in the playoffs but it does need a few upgrades. One of the possible upgrades is safety Steve Gregory.

According to the San Diego Union Tribune, Gregory is visiting the Patriots.

Gregory was most recently with the San Diego Chargers in a so-so 2011 season. He's 28 years old so there's still some promise there. Gregory reportedly has at least three teams interested in his services. Outside of the Patriots, it's unknown who those teams are (which makes you wonder if they even exist).

Gregory became a starter in San Diego early last season when Bob Sanders went down with an injury.

For more free agency updates, go to SB Nation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit. And for more on Boston sports, check out SB Nation Boston.

Robert Meachem, Chargers Agree To 4-Year Contract

2012-03-14T05:14:06Z

Robert Meachem agreed to a four-year contract with the San Diego Chargers, the team announced late Tuesday. Terms of the deal were not officially released, but Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports the deal is worth $25.9 million, which includes $14 million fully guaranteed.

Though Meachem's arrival coincides with VIncent Jackson's departure, it remains to be seen if he can fill the shoes left behind by the two-time Pro Bowler. Jackson topped 1,000 receiving yards in three of his last four years, with the lone exception being 2010 when he played in only five games due to injury. He agreed to a five-year, $55 million deal with the Buccaneers on Tuesday.

Meachem, on the other hand, has never gained more than 722 yards in his four seasons with the Saints, catching 40 passes for 620 yards and six touchdowns in 2011. Part of the reason his numbers have been limited is because he's played behind the likes of Marques Colston, Jimmy Graham and Devery Henderson throughout his career. The Chargers, on the other hand, no longer have a clear-cut No. 1 receiver, and Meachem should be given every chance to claim that role.

Meachem also received interest from the Buffalo Bills, which may have contributed to San Diego's decision to sign him on the first day of free agency.

For more on Meachem, check out Chargers blog Bolts From The Blue and Saints blog Canal Street Chronicles.

Vincent Jackson, Bucs Nearing A Deal, According To Report

2012-03-13T21:08:25Z

Before free agency even started, there were rumors were connecting free agent wide receiver Vincent Jackson to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Barely an hour into free agency, reports are now saying Jackson, who has played for the San Diego Chargers for the last seven seasons, will be joining the Bucs.

It's not a done deal, but according to various reports, it's getting close. The Bucs are among the league leaders in salary cap space, so they can afford to get it done. Jackson could get a contract with average annual salary exceeding $10 million per season.

The Chargers selected Jackson out of Northern Colorado in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft. When the deal's done, he will immediately upgrade the Bucs receiving corps and become a deep threat for Josh Freeman. This appears to be a solid pickup for Freeman and the Bucs, who took a big step backwards last season to finish 4-12 after winning 10 games in 2010.

For more on Jackson and the Bucs, head over to Bucs Nation and SB Nation Tampa Bay.