San Diego Chargers Daily Links: March 21, 2012

Report: Chargers hosting Chiefs' RB - Bill Williamson
The Chargers started focusing on Battle last week as a possible replacement for Mike Tolbert if he left in free agency. Tolbert signed a four-year deal with Carolina on Monday. Battle is a solid backup who likely fell out of the Chiefs’ plans when they signed Peyton Hillis last week.

The best and worst of the week in sports - Marc Figueroa
Maybe Chargers general manager A.J. Smith finally feels like he's on the hot seat, as the Bolts have been extremely active in free agency. On Friday they announced the addition of receiver Eddie Royal, tackle Jared Gaither and fullback Le'Ron McClain as part of their latest moves. Don't expect them to be done either, as the Chargers have some key holes to fill.

While Manning signs with Denver, Smith keeps focus inward - Scott Bair
The AFC West is changing around him, but Smith's eyes remain on the prize. Though he respects the moves made by division rivals, especially Denver's latest and possibly greatest free-agent acquisition, Smith remains fixated on building a roster worthy of a playoff spot.

Chargers downshift gears in free agency - Michael Gehlken
The team has moved forward to free agency's second phase with fishing poles, casting a line to various players and awaiting a response. In the meantime, they monitor the market and host free agents for visits.

The Shutdown Five: Legendary QBs who finished their careers on other teams - MJD
The first group of Colts fans forced to watch a legend end his career elsewhere was actually in Baltimore. They saw the Colts trade Unitas to the San Diego Chargers, which didn't work out particularly well for anybody. Unitas was shot by that point. In five games, his completion percentage and quarterback rating were both under 50. Halfway through the season, he was replaced by a youngster named Dan Fouts.

Jackie Battle And Le'Ron McClain Could Be Reunited In San Diego - Joel Thorman
It seems like there's been a lot of signings between AFC West teams this year. The Chiefs picked up former Raiders Stanford Routt and Kevin Boss as well as former Bronco Kyle McCarthy. The Chargers signed Jared Gaither and Le'Ron McClain. The Raiders hired a former Chiefs executive (hey, they have no salary cap space).

Updated 2012 NFL Mock Draft - Dan Kadar
Dont'a Hightower | Middle linebacker | Alabama: At 36, the future is unknown for Takeo Spikes. General Manager A.J. Smith doesn't draft offensive linemen in the first round and the team signed linebacker Jarrett Johnson to help the pas rush. Hightower is a stout run defender in the middle but also has the versatility to rush the passer from the outside.