The Los Angeles Chargers are adding to their depth on the defensive line by signing Sylvester Williams, a former first-round pick.
Though the signing of Williams will likely slide under the radar for the most part as he is not a “big name” despite his high draft status, this is a sign that the team might be without Justin Jones and/or Brandon Mebane for a little while. Both defensive tackles missed Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans.
Williams will be brought in to shore up the depth behind Jerry Tillery and Damion Square, the perceived starters if Jones and Mebane miss time. The team also has Cortez Broughton and T.Y. McGill, who was recently brought back.
For his career, Williams has played in 89 games and has six sacks to go with 128 tackles and a fumble recovery. The powerful defensive tackle was chosen with the No. 28 overall pick of the 2013 draft by the Denver Broncos. He will turn 31 years old next month.
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During his career, Williams also has had short stints with the Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions and most recently, the New Orleans Saints. He was released by the Saints just before the regular season got underway.
The Chargers will also be without offensive lineman Forrest Lamp for the rest of the season after he broke his fibula on Sunday. Lamp was just starting to turn a corner for the team. It’s interesting that the team would choose to sign Williams over another offensive lineman.
A corresponding move to make room for Williams on the 53-man roster has yet to be announced, but it could lead to either Mebane or Jones being placed on injured reserve, joining a growing list of Chargers players already there.