Donald Butler and the San Diego Chargers Agree To New Deal

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego, CA- The San Diego Chargers and Inside-Linebacker Donald Butler have agreed to a multi-year contract extension according to UT-San Diego’s Michael Gehlken. Butler was set to become an unrestricted free agent March 11.

Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco stated this off-season that the team’s main priority is not only adding impact players, but also keeping the team’s core group together and today’s extension proves that.

The Chargers traded up to draft Butler in the third round of the 2010 draft and after missing his rookie season due to a torn ACL. Butler has developed into one of the teams main leaders on defense, as shown by the team voting him as a team and defense Captain the past few seasons. As Chargers Head Coach Mike McCoy expressed to the U-T San Diego at the scouting combine last week.

"“He was the one who was calling the defense over there,” McCoy . “He was the voice of the defense on game day. He did a great job, finished strong. Unfortunately, he got the (groin) injury earlier in the season, but I think he did a great job with his leadership.”"

Butler had 84 tackles, one interception and half a sack last season. Butler finished second on the team in tackles, behind Safety Eric Weddle. Butler has been among the teams leaders in tackles the past few seasons.

The Chargers still have eleven players set to become unrestricted free-agents when the free agency period begins. That includes wide-receivers Seyi Ajirotutu, Danario Alexander and Lavelle Hawkins, running back Ronnie Brown, cornerback Richard Marshall, offensive linemen Rich Ohrnberger and Chad Rinehart, strong safety and Special teams Captin Darrell Stuckey, defensive lineman Cam Thomas, and linebacker Reggie Walker. With Darrell Stuckey being one of the teams highest priorities to re-sign.