The Chargers are set to sign linebacker Thomas Davis, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The former Panther and three-time Pro Bowler also announced the news via social media (Twitter link). 
“Very happy that I’m going to be able to showcase my talents for the LA Chargers,” Davis tweeted. “Long way from home but I’m extremely excited about this opportunity!”
It’s a two-year, $10.5MM deal for the veteran, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (on Twitter) adds. The pact includes $5.25MM guaranteed for 2019 and a $1MM roster bonus due next March.
The 2019 season will be Davis’ 15th year in the league. The first 14 years of his career were all with Carolina. One of the league’s best linebackers for a handful of years, Davis will turn 36 in a couple of weeks and the Panthers thought it was time to move on.
Suspended for the first four games of last season, Davis started the final 12 games and had a very solid year. He received above average marks from Pro Football Focus, and graded out as their 19th-best linebacker overall. He’ll be joining an already very talented Chargers defense, and will provide an immediate boost.
The Chargers have playmakers on the defensive line and in the secondary, but were sorely lacking at linebacker last year. They recently re-signed Denzel Perryman, who has been hurt most of the past two years, and if he can stay healthy the Chargers will have a much-improved linebacking corp next season.
Davis, a first round pick all the way back in 2004, will fill a leadership role on a defense with a lot of young players. Davis struggled with injury issues earlier on in his career, but has been remarkably durable the last handful of years, which is what the oft-injured Chargers desperately need.
Wow!!
They needed someone around Rivers’ age so they could talk about the good old days
Another bad move…. chargers had a huge need at linebacker. Their idea of addressing it was resigning Perryman to a big contract, even though he can’t stay on the field. Now, this signing. Davis has had a great careee…. but it would be an understatement to say he has lost a few steps…. not to mention his injury issues as of late. Not good at all….
Perryman did not sign a big contract.
For the amount of football Perryman plays, yes, it was a big contract. Not compared to other players. Just a big contract for someone who doesn’t stay on the field
I mean… two straight winning seasons, so it kinda looks like they know what they’re doing.
I mean…. they’re run defend has been exposed for those two seasons and hasn’t been addressed…. so it kinda looks like they are missing that
Chill. It’s only day two and they are addressing a need. I’m sure they will find another ILB to work with Perryman. This signing just adds depth to their OLBs.
Any bets on that? This will be their ILB core, Perryman and Davis. Yes, they will add some small pieces, maybe they great nick Dzubnar will be on the ILB rotation…. but as far as legitimately addressing the hole there with talented players, this will be their biggest moves
He is still playing football ?