San Diego Chargers sign veteran cornerback Chris Carr on one-year contract – NFL News
San Diego Chargers have strengthened their defensive line-up as they signed veteran cornerback Chris Carr on a one-year contract on Tuesday, October 02, 2012. Chargers made the announcement through a press release.
Carr is a vastly experienced player, having played eight seasons in the league. He is the type of guy Chargers desperately needed to back up their thin defensive backfield which is struggling to get going because of injuries.
Chargers starting cornerback Quintin Jammer and backup cornerback Shareece Wright are injured and were unavailable for their Week 4 game.
Head coach Norv Turner believes that signing Carr will definitely improve their defensive game in coming weeks. Turner said:
"Chris is an experienced player. He's been a starter so he brings experience. He can play in the slot and on the outside. He's a good addition for us."
Carr was to get $2.5 million base salary from Baltimore Ravens before he was waived in the offseason. He went for trials at Minnesota Vikings, but they released him while reducing the roster to 53 men.
The cornerback signed a three-year, $14 million deal with Ravens in 2011, but things did not work out well after an average season. Carr was happy on finally getting the chance to return to professional football. He said:
"I'm extremely excited to join the Chargers. I know a lot of coaches on this staff and a lot of players. They're a contender and a good team that competes year after year."
Carr, 29, played in every game of his first six seasons in the league. In his entire career, the cornerback has six interceptions and 2.5 sacks.
The eight-year veteran has completed 178 tackles and seven forced fumbles overall. He has the reputation of being a very good kickoff returner, having a career average of 24.6 yards per return.
Oakland Raiders signed Carr as a free agent rookie in 2005. He played five seasons with Raiders before joining Tennessee Titan in the 2008 offseason on a two-year, $2million contract. Carr then joined Ravens in 2009 on a two-year, $5 million contract.
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