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Yesterday was by far one of the most exciting days of free agency under general manager Tom Telesco as he made two phenomenal signings, inking defensive tackle Linval Joseph and cornerback Chris Harris both to two-year deals.
Joseph immediately gets penciled in as the starting nose tackle while Harris will find a home in the secondary, whether that’s on the outside opposite Casey Hayward or in the slot where he is best. The team still has Desmond King, but I’m sure Gus Bradley will find a way to make it all work in the end.
Today should be another exciting day of signings and moves. As I’m writing this, the Lions just traded cornerback Darius Slay to the Eagles for a third and fifth-round pick. Slay also becomes the league’s highest-paid corner, topping Byron Jones’ most-recent deal.
Happy Thursday, everyone. Enjoy the links, stay safe and healthy, and wash those dang hands!
Los Angeles Chargers’ 2020 NFL free-agent signings: Chris Harris adds to loaded secondary
“What it means: Harris’ decision to join the Chargers puts them in contention to boast one of the top secondaries in the NFL next season. A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Harris joins cornerbacks Casey Hayward and Desmond King and safeties Derwin James, Adrian Phillips and Rayshawn Jenkins. Last season, Harris had six pass deflections, an interception and a forced fumble.”
Ex-Broncos CB Chris Harris agrees to join Chargers
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28922371/source-ex-broncos-cb-chris-harris-agrees-join-chargers
“Harris, who turns 31 in June, was one of the longest-tenured Broncos, having made the roster as an undrafted rookie in 2011, the year John Elway started his tenure as the team’s top football decision-maker.”
Source: Chargers add veteran Linval Joseph to defensive line
“The Chargers released Mebane, along with veteran linebacker Thomas Davis, last week to create $9.5 million in salary-cap space as they pursued Tom Brady, who is now expected to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”
Chargers Rumors: Tyrod Taylor to Start at QB After LA Misses on Tom Brady
“The Los Angeles Chargers are not expected to add a quarterback to the mix after Tom Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will move forward with Tyrod Taylor as their starter.”
Daily 2020 NFL Free-Agent Signings, Trades Grades for Start of New League Year
“A flurry of activity occurred during the last two days with the league’s landscape significantly changing. Tom Brady will be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. Philip Rivers and Teddy Bridgewater will now lead the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers, respectively. The DeAndre Hopkins trade wasn’t a bad dream.”
5 things to know about new Chargers CB Chris Harris Jr.
https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/18/chargers-things-to-know-about-cb-chris-harris-jr/
“Harris spent four years at the University of Kansas, where he received a handful of honors and awards for his efforts, which included KU defensive back of the year (2010), Freshman All-America Honorable Mention, Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year and All-Big 12 Freshman Team (2007).”
Twitter reacts to Chargers agreeing to terms with CB Chris Harris Jr.
“This marks general manager Tom Telesco’s third acquisition since Monday. Fans were excited with the moves prior, but bringing in Harris has them absolutely ecstatic.”
Chargers Moving Forward with Tyrod Taylor at QB for 2020
https://www.si.com/nfl/chargers/news/chargers-tyrod-taylor-tom-brady-no-trade-free-agent
“It appears they have made a decision. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Chargers will forgo adding a veteran quarterback this offseason and will instead move forward with Taylor behind center for 2020.”
Melvin Gordon’s Future Remains Unclear with Free Agency Officially Underway
https://www.si.com/nfl/chargers/news/melvin-gordon-chargers-free-agency-future-2020
“In the time since, Byron Jones became one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in league history. Quarterback Philip Rivers found safe harbor with the Indianapolis Colts. The Las Vegas Raiders stocked up on high-priced, impact defenders. And, of course, the most decorated quarterback in league history, Tom Brady, left the New England Patriots after a two-decade run.”