Chargers, Mike Pouncey agree on 2-year contract

By
ERIC D. WILLIAMS via <a href="http://espn.go.com/" title="ESPN" class="espn_sc_byline">ESPN </a>
via
March 19, 2018, 5:14 PM ET
2 min read

COSTA MESA, Calif. - The Los Angeles Chargers brought in the team's biggest target in free agency this week, agreeing to terms on a two-year deal with former Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey the team announced on Monday.

Released by the Dolphins last week because he refused to take a pay cut, the 28-year-old Pouncey consummated a deal with the Chargers after an in-house visit on Monday.

Signed through the 2020 season as part of a five-year contract extension with the Dolphins in 2015, with his release the Dolphins saved $7 million on their salary cap

A three-time Pro Bowler, Pouncey started 93 games in seven seasons with the Dolphins, but played in all 16 games last season for the first time since 2012.

The Chargers could use help up front on their offensive line and have not found a long-term replacement at the center position since Nick Hardwick retired after the 2014 season.

Spencer Pulley started all 16 games last season in his first year as a starter, but the Vanderbilt product's performance was uneven.

With Pouncey in the fold, the Chargers have a projected starting offensive line of Russell Okung at left tackle, Dan Feeney at left guard, Pouncey at center, Forrest Lamp at right guard and Joe Barksdale at right tackle.

Known for his strength as a run blocker, Pouncey should improve a running game that averaged just 3.81 yards per carry last season, No. 26 in the NFL.