The Chargers had to build their offensive line by piecemeal in previous years, but they have some stability now thanks to the presence of Matt Slauson, Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego writes. Slauson will now hold down the center position after the team was faced with multiple injuries there, including the knee injury of third-round selection Max Tuerk. And while Slauson may have more starts at guard than center, he’s doing just fine as Philip Rivers’ batterymate.
“You’d think he’d been playing center his whole career,” Rivers said. “He’s got way more starts obviously at guard. He reminds of a couple guys who have been here in the past — (Jeromey) Clary, Hardwick, (Kris) Dielman — with his personality, just the little I’ve been around him. I know he’s a heck of a player. I think he’ll bring a little of that, too.”
The Chargers‘ inked Slauson to a two-year deal this spring on a deal which carries a $3MM base. The veteran can earn another $1.25MM in bonuses and escalators via playing time.
Here’s more from the AFC West:
- It sounds like the Raiders are ready to walk the walk when it comes to the Las Vegas talk, Jarrett Bell of USA Today writes. Davis, who inherited the ownership role after his father passed in 2011, has flirted with other cities, most notably San Antonio. However, the Las Vegas project would come with a larger share of public financing, making it the kind of deal that appeals strongly to teams and the league office. Click here for the very latest on the Raiders’ possible move to Sin City.
- The Chargers should experiment with versatile rookie Joey Bosa, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com writes. Bosa is making a transition to a new position as a 3-4 defensive end, and also has been spotted as an edge and interior rusher in passing situations in practice. Beyond that, however, there’s a case to be made that Bosa could be tried out as a 3-4 outside linebacker. “See if he can play 3-4 outside linebacker. You might be surprised,” ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen said. “I’m not saying he’s going to be Von Miller, or a guy with that type of high-level athleticism that can drop, or run with a running back down the field or cover a tight end down the field. But it’s a perfect time to experiment with that.”
- Recently, PFR’s Sam Robinson examined Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall as an extension candidate.
Not sure what happened with Slauson and the Bears, but the Chargers made a good move signing him. He’s no star, but he’s solid and versatile, and the San Diego offensive line has been… well, it’s been offensive.
Will the stadium in Las Vegas have a roof or will the Raiders stick with the tarp?