San Diego Chargers GM A.J. Smith signed 18 veteran free agents by the start of training camp. A dozen made the final 53-man roster and are poised to play significant roles this season.
Veteran free agents who made the cut
RB Jackie Battle: Signed on July 20 from the Chiefs. Battle (6-2, 240) will primarily be used on special teams and occasionally receive a carry. He will also serve as a backup to FB Le’Ron McClain.
RB Ronnie Brown: Signed on June 11 from the Eagles. Brown (6-0, 230) will likely begin the season as a starter. Brown will then primarily work on third downs after RB Ryan Mathews (broken clavicle) returns. Mathews is expected to return by Week 3, but it could be sooner.
DT Aubrayo Franklin: Signed on July 20 from the Saints. Franklin (6-1, 315) is listed as the dual second-string NT with Cam Thomas. But Franklin could start Week 1 because Antonio Garay DE-DT (foot) has not practiced in over two weeks.
C-G Rex Hadnot: Signed on April 30 from the Cardinals. Hadnot (6-2, 310) will backup the left and right guard positions. He will also serve as a third-string center.
OLB Jarret Johnson: Signed on March 14 from the Ravens. Johnson (6-3, 260) is listed as a starter, but OLB Melvin Ingram (first round, 18th overall) could supplant him by opening day. Regardless, Johnson will see significant playing time. The plan is to frequently rotate all five OLBs to keep their legs fresh with the hope they will be able to provide frequent pressure on the QB.
FB Le’Ron McClain: Signed on March 14 from the Chiefs. McClain (6-0, 260) will be the starting FB and lead blocker for RBs Ryan Mathews and Ronnie Brown. McClain said his goal is for the running game to average 4.2 yards per carry.
WR Robert Meachem: Signed on March 15 from the Saints. Meachem (6-2, 215) will start opposite WR Malcom Floyd. Coach Norv Turner said Meachem is capable of having a 1,000-yard season.
TE Dante Rosario: Signed on March 19 from the Broncos. Rosario (6-4, 240) will be the third-string TE and will primarily work as an extra blocker. He will also contribute as a receiver and on special teams.
WR Eddie Royal: Signed on March 16 from the Broncos. Royal (5-10, 185) will be a frequent target as a slot receiver.
SS Corey Lynch: Signed on May 29 from the Buccaneers. Lynch (6-0, 210) is a capable backup at SS and FS and will contribute on special teams.
WR Micheal Spurlock: Signed on April 4 from the Buccaneers. Spurlock (5-11, 210) will see action as a receiver and may be the punt returner.
QB Charlie Whitehurst: Signed on March 20 from the Seahawks. Whitehurst (6-5, 226) is the lone back up to QB Philip Rivers.
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