Chargers land CB Derek Cox

Sep 11, 2011; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Derek Cox (21) runs onto the field during player introductions before a game against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Fernando Medina-USA TODAY Sports

It’s no secret that the Chargers needed some help in the secondary after the departure of Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason. The Chargers were scheduled to visit with former Colts corner back Jerraud Powers but he never made it out of Arizona. Late last night, though, the Chargers helped their cause by signing their biggest name of the off-season, Derek Cox.

Cox is one of the younger corners on the market in a deep secondary class this off-season. Cox has played four seasons and had four interceptions in three of those seasons. Injuries have cut his last two seasons short but he looks like he’s coming back in full form. In 47 games, he has 203 combined tackles with a forced fumble. Cox was the guy who came in and cleaned up on run support for the Jaguars. He started opposite of Rashean Mathis who is an eleven-year veteran.

Cox will likely come in an get a starting spot for the Bolts with Marcus Gilchrist probably getting playing time on the other side. The Chargers will still likely look to the draft for another corner with the possibility of Leon McFadden or a guy like Xavier Rhodes.

The deal the Chargers gave to Cox was for 4 years, $20 million with $10.25 million guaranteed and a $5.2 million signing bonus.