The Los Angeles Chargers are bringing back one of their own. Jahleel Addae, who was set to hit the open market on Thursday, will reportedly be dishing out hard hits for the Chargers for another four years.
According to San Diego Union-Tribune’s Michael Gehlken, the Los Angeles Chargers will re-sign starting SS Jahleel Addae to a four-year, $22.5 million deal with $10 million guaranteed.
Jahleel Addae set to sign four-year, $22.5 million contract. $10M in guarantees. Big score for Chargers safety, who missed 8 games in 2016.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 9, 2017
Addae, 27, is one of general manager Tom Telesco’s undrafted free agent gems. He was our No. 2 priority among the team’s unrestricted free agents, especially because of the hole that would have been left had he moved on. According to Pro Football Focus, Addae was the 12th-best safety who did his job as a run defender while also allowing only a 56.8 passer rating when targeted. He’ll fit nicely as a box safety in new DC Gus Bradley’s 4-3 defense.
But there are cons to his game. Addae hasn’t been reliable in his four-year career. Even though last season was his best, Addae missed eight games with a broken collarbone. He hasn’t played a full 16-game season since his rookie year (2013). He’s a hard-hitting safety who’s aggressive nature is something the Chargers need, but if he can’t stay on the field it cancels out.
And that’s why this deal is a bit of a head-scratcher. The contract hasn’t officially been released yet, but paying Addae $5.6 million per year seems a bit much for a player who’s been banged up and doesn’t create turnovers (one interception and two forced fumbles in four years). According to OverTheCap.com, his yearly salary will rank 20th-best among safeties, which isn’t too bad on paper.
Overall, Addae developed into a decent player who likely has yet to reach his potential, which Telesco is probably banking on.