Chargers Scheduled To Speak With Jared Gaither This Week

Dec 5, 2011; Jacksonville, FL, USA; San Diego Chargers tackle Jared Gaither (78) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Chargers defeated the Jaguars 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

The San Diego Chargers are going to begin contract talks this week with Jared Gaither. Free agency starts on March 13th and AJ will try to get him locked up before he is able to test out the market.

Here is the report from Aaron Wilson off of Scout.com:

The San Diego Chargers and free agent offensive tackle Jared Gaither are scheduled to talk this week, according to his agent, Kevin Pompey. The Chargers have indicated interest in having Gaither back, but no deal is imminent. “We’re very happy that the Chargers have interest,” Pompey told Scout. “Jared’s happy to be on track. He’s happy to be in a good place. He put 2010 behind him.”

Getting Gaither locked up would be a huge boost for the team going into free agency. Our whole left side of the offensive line is up in the air and having the left tackle situation locked up could get our focus onto other areas of need. We still have to find a playmaker on defense and we need to settle the situation at receiver.

Lock the guy up! We have to protect Philip Rivers and give him time to hit his receivers. Gaither did an awesome job last season and he is one of the top free agent left tackles available this off-season.

“Jared has got everything going in the right direction now,” Pompey said. “He’s excited about the Chargers. If that doesn’t work out, then we look forward to free agency. The fact that they want him back is a very positive thing.”  – scout.com