Antonio Gates Gets 5-Year Extension

Very well done and greatly deserved..The Chargers and Antonio Gates agreed to a $36.175 million, five-year contract extension, making him the highest paid NFL tight end.

Since his rookie year, Antonio Gates leads all tight ends in touchdown catches with 59. He ranks second in yards with 6,223 and third in catches with 479. He has led the Chargers in catches each of the last six seasons. And he also topped the team with 79 catches and a career best 1,157 with eight touchdowns last season. Antonio Gates is also a 6-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, he was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team (2000-2009).

It sure is comforting to know that Antonio Gates, THE best tight end in the NFL and a fan favorite will be wearing the Chargers' uni for years to come. Well done indeed, AJ.

Chargers sign LT Thomas to a one-year contract

Source: ESPN.com

The San Diego Chargers signed three-time Pro Bowler (2001, 2002, 2004) left tackle Tra Thomas to a one-year contract.

The signing is apparently and insurance in left tackle Marcus McNeil continues to holdout. McNeil along with Shawne Merriman and Vincent Jackson are unhappy with their status a restricted free agents.

Tra Thomas was with the Jacksonville Jaguars last year and played in just eight games, starting once. He was a first-round draft pick of the Eagles in 1998, went to the Pro Bowl three times, played in five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl.

Mathews, a great pick by the Chargers!

Good job by A.J. Smith!

That's right, A.J. Smith still knows his way around the draft. Many may say that the Charger's had given up a lot to trade up to the 12th slot to get Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews, giving up linebacker Tim Dobbins, the No. 28 pick, its second-round pick and a fourth rounder, but if you think about it the Charger really got Ryan Mathews for Charlie Whitehurst. It all started with the trade for Whitehurst, who the Chargers sent to Seattle.

The Chargers did not only get a potentially great running back, but a guy with character, which the game really needs these days. Mathews earned great respect from many before he even went to college. After he verbally committed to Fresno State, several bigger programs such as USC and UCLA tried to convince him to change his mind.

"No way I was doing that," Mathews said of the overtures by bigger programs. "Fresno State put themselves on the line for me and I was sticking with them."

Now the question is, can he make us forget about LT? Most definitely not, but he should be better that LT was in the last couple of years, given he is faster, stronger and fresher. The Chargers had the 31st ranked run offense last season, they should be better this next season.

The Chargers' are a pass-first offense and they will still be with Philip Rivers at quarterback and Norv coaching. But with a potentially elite running back like Ryan Mathews, they will be a more balanced offensive team.

The Chargers are looking at the next Antonio Gates..

Source: ESPN

As the Chargers have shown before, it is possible to make a college basketball star into an NFL player.

It is reported that the Chargers were one of the teams to attend the workout of Niagara University basketball star Tyrone Lewis on Monday. The 5-foot-10, 172 pounds, Lewis, was a guard in college, finished third in career scoring, first in career steals at his school and very fast.

Although, he hasn't played football in the last five years, he was an outstanding cornerback in high school. He will now decide between playing pro basketball in Europe or try to latch on with an NFL team, most likely as an undrafted free agent.

The Chargers know the transition can happen. Few years ago, the Chargers took a chance on another college basketball star in Antonio Gates. He turned into one of the best, if not the best tight end in the NFL today.

Jamaal to Denver? Say it's not so!

As I was reading ESPN.com as I do everyday to catch up on what's going on in sports, I came accross this blog;

Source: ESPN.com

"After it was reported that former San Diego start defensive tackle Jamaal Williams is set to visit New Orleans, the Denver Post reported that Williams is currently visiting Denver.

The 348-pound Williams would be a great fit on paper for Denver, which is going to its second year using the 3-4 defense. In his prime, Williams was the premier 3-4 nose tackle in the NFL. He was a fabulous run stuffer and he set the tone for San Diego's defense. He played for Denver defensive line coach Wayne Nunnely in San Diego.

Yet, there are questions about Williams. He turns 34 next month and he missed all but one game last year with a triceps injury. He also has dealt with recent knee injuries.

Still, if Denver uses him in a rotation, Williams could help. San Diego reportedly wants Williams back at a reduced price. Perhaps seeing that Williams is in Denver will cause San Diego to make a move. He was release last week right before he was due to receive a roster bonus."

All that I have to say is that the Chargers should not have released him in the first place, but if they have a chance to get him back, they should. I just can not bare to see one of my all time favorite Charger in a Broncos uniform.