The Chargers reportedly agreed Tuesday with defensive back Deane Leonard on a one-season, $2-million contract extension, one day before he would have hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent. Leonard also is a key special teams player.
In addition, the Chargers also formally announced the signing of ex-Miami Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold and said they agreed to terms on an extension with offensive lineman Trevor Penning. Ingold’s deal is for two seasons and $7.5 million and Penning’s is for one year and $4.5 million.
The Chargers also said they agreed to terms with former Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar, whose three-year, $24.3-million contract reportedly makes him the highest-paid blocking tight end in the NFL. Kolar’s deal calls for a guaranteed salary of $10 million over the three seasons.
Plus, the Chargers also announced they agreed to terms with former Dolphins offensive lineman Cole Strange, who will likely replace right guard Mekhi Becton, who was released last week after one season. Strange’s contract reportedly is for $13 million over two seasons.
The free-agent signing period officially opens Wednesday at 1 p.m. (PDT). Teams can give their own players extensions at any point, but could not begin to negotiate with players from other teams until Monday during what’s now known around the NFL as the legal tampering period.
As of Tuesday, the Chargers had given six of their own players contract extensions, most notably outside linebacker Khalil Mack, who signed a one-year, $18-million deal that keeps him in uniform for a fifth season. Mack, a likely Hall of Famer, will play his 13th season in the NFL overall.
Leonard, Penning and defensive lineman Teair Tart were given extensions before hitting the open market as unrestricted free agents Wednesday. Running back Jaret Patterson and defensive back Kendall Williamson, two exclusive rights free agents, were given new contracts.
In addition, running back Kimani Vidal received an exclusive rights tender, binding him to the Chargers and removing his ability to negotiate with other teams. Vidal was the Chargers’ leading rusher this past season with 643 yards on 155 carries plus three touchdowns.