Chargers sign TE John Phillips, RB Fozzy Whittaker, OT King Dunlap

Oct 28, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles tackle King Dunlap (65) blocks Atlanta Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann (71) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Falcons defeated the Eagles 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Chargers have signed two role players that a lot of fans haven’t heard of within the first hour and a half of free agency today. John Phillips, a tight end from Dallas, Fozzy Whittaker, a running back from Arizona, and King Dunlap, an offensive tackle from Philadelphia are the newest members of the Chargers squad.

Phillips was a sixth round draft pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Phillips is a career back up at the tight end spot. He’s mainly a blocking tight end and could be used at the fullback or h-back position. He sat behind Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten for three years, which isn’t a bad gig. Phillips will likely be groomed to step up in the zone-blocking scheme and be the #2 guy when Gates leaves. The Chargers signed him to a three-year deal.

Fozzy Whittaker has never seen the field in his short NFL career due to injuries and the fact that he was an unsigned free agent. He was a running back for the Texas Longhorns in the 2001 season as was signed to the Cardinals practice squad in December of 2012. He was released yesterday and signed by the Chargers today. Whittaker will likely be used sparingly, if at all this season by the Chargers.

Dunlap isn’t a bad pickup for the Chargers. As the starting left tackle for the Eagles, Dunlap only allowed 6.0 sacks last season. He’s relatively young and shows decent promise moving forward. This signing might not affect how the Chargers draft, but only time will tell.