First they grabbed Takeo Spikes, and now the Chargers have shored up their secondary by re-signing free safety Eric Weddle. This now gives San Diego the one-two punch of Weddle and Bob Sanders at their safety spots. If Sanders enters the season healthy, that’s a very formidable tag team against the run.
After posting a monster 105 solo tackles in 2008, Weddle managed a disappointing 68 in 2009. His numbers rebounded last season, however, as he finished with 80 solos. Though he’s never been one to make a ton of interceptions (he has just six in his four-year career), his passes defensed have steadily rose from five in 2008 to ten last season. Weddle finished the 2010 campaign as the third-highest graded safety here at PFF.com.
Had the Chargers not re-signed Weddle, they almost certainly would have had to scramble for a free-safety. There's no way they could have relied on Steve Gregory, who is currently sitting behind Weddle on the depth chart. Gregory, who graded out negatively in both coverage and run support, would have been an extreme liability had the Chargers been forced to start him. In addition to locking up Weddle, the Chargers also finalized terms with Sanders on a one-year deal. Provided he can avoid the injuries that have plagued him over the last three seasons, Sanders is a big upgrade over San Diego's 2010 starter at strong safety, Paul Oliver.
Fantasy Spin:
Though Sanders will likely eat in to Weddle’s tackle numbers, he will get plenty of opportunity to score fantasy points in coverage. If your league lumps safeties and corners, Weddle projects as a solid DB2. In terms of just safeties, he has low-end S1 value.
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