If there was any doubt about the Los Angeles Chargers desire to win now, that was erased in the first day of free agency with the addition of free agent linebacker Thomas Davis. A 14-year NFL veteran, Davis is not only an effective defensive player, but his leadership will be invaluable to the younger players on the defensive side of the ball.
In late breaking news, the Chargers also signed quarterback Tyrod Taylor to a two-year contract on Wednesday. Taylor started three games with the Cleveland Browns last season before getting injured and replaced by Baker Mayfield. Taylor started the previous three years for the Buffalo Bills and backed up at quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens before that.
Thomas Davis has spent his entire professional career with the Panthers after being picked in the 1st round of the 2005 draft. Over the past 14 years, he has become the Panthers' all-time tackle leader with 1,174 total tackles, including 30 sacks, in 176 regular season games and 11 playoff games.
He has gone to three pro bowls in his career in his long career. And has 158 career starts. Davis will give the Chargers a "Philip Rivers type of leader" on the defensive side off the ball. He has Super Bowl experience, having played and started in the 2016 Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos.
The contract is for two years and $10.5 million, with $5.25 million guaranteed. Davis will turn 36 next week, so his addition is definitely a short-term addition, a win-now addition.
The Chargers also announced that linebacker Denzel Perryman has been signed to a two-year contract extension, two days before he was scheduled to become a free agent. The contract extension was for two-years and a total of $12 million. Perryman has missed 16 games over the past two seasons due to knee, hamstring and ankle injuries. When he is healthy, he has been a force in the middle of the Chargers defense.
The Chargers released Safety Jahleel Addae, in a move that saved $5 million against the salary cap. Addae started all 16 game at free safety last season. He was 4th on the team in tackles with 72. The money saved from his salary was used to sign Davis.
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