San Diego Chargers re-sign Joe Barksdale for four years
Joe Barksdale has re-signed with the San Diego Chargers for four years.
The San Diego Chargers came into this offseason knowing that they had to upgrade their offensive line while also keeping offensive tackle Joe Barksdale long-term. Barksdale was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, but he has re-signed with the Chargers instead.
The #Chargers gave Joe Barksdale a 4-year deal worth $22.2M deal with $10.5M guaranteed, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2016
Barksdale has done a nice job for the Chargers as their right tackle, acting as a stabilizing force on an otherwise below average offensive line that had trouble protecting quarterback Philip Rivers. San Diego gave Rivers an extension last season and with the quarterback getting up in age (34 years old), it’s time for general manager Tom Telesco to build up a quality offensive line.
Rivers has never been a mobile quarterback and has taken a brutal pounding the last couple of seasons, mostly because the interior of the line has been in shambles.
Part of the Chargers solving their offensive line woes includes getting as much stability as possible. Barksdale has proven to be durable and consistent. He’s not outstanding, but he’s a solid offensive tackle. Without Barksdale, the Chargers might have been looking at either spending more money on a player form the outside or using an early draft pick on offensive line help.