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Do you guys remember the 2008 season opener? When the Carolina Panthers — down by 5 points with 2 seconds left in the game — beat the Chargers on a 14-yard touchdown pass? The player who caught that game-winning pass is now a member of the San Diego Chargers: receiving Tight End Dante Rosario. That game — where he caught 7 passes for 96 yards and a TD — remains the best game in his career.
Rosario was drafted out of Oregon in the fifth round by the Panthers in 2007. His best season came in 2009 when he caught 26 passes for 313 yards. Also impressive is 19 of those 26 catches were for first downs. Last year, while playing for the Broncos, he only caught 11 passes for 117 yards (but amassed a 20% DVOA in his limited play).
Antonio Gates has nothing to fear by this signing, it's doubtful Rosario will steal playing time from a healthy Gates. In fact, he's joining the team for depth at TE and will compete with Kory Sperry (and Brad Taylor) for the 3rd TE spot.
Chargers agree to 1-yr contract with receiving TE Dante Rosario.6-4, 250, 5th-rd pick in '07 by Carolina. Played last yr in Denver.
— Bill Johnston (@ChargersPRguy) March 19, 2012