The Chargers gave themselves another insurance policy for the future of their defense today by signing their fourth-round draft pick, safety Darrell Stuckey. They also added some depth at the tight end position by signing seventh-rounder Dedrick Epps.
Stuckey, a safety out of Kansas, is seen as the heir apparent to the now-vacated safety position that was previously held by Kevin Ellison, who was recently released. In his 45 games at Kansas, he recorded 295 tackles, eight interceptions and a sack.
“To get that out of the way, it’s breathtaking,” said Stuckey when asked to comment on his recent contract signing. “I feel like I’m part of the organization and now I get to work without mentally, in the back of my (mind), worrying about if I’m part of the organization yet or not.”
His four-year contract has a total base value of $2.29 million, including a signing bonus of about $505,000.
Epps, a former University of Miami Hurricane, will compete for a backup role behind Antonio Gates and Randy McMichael. He also signed a four-year contract with a base value of $1.838 million and a signing bonus of around $48,000. During his career as a Hurricane, he amassed 49 receptions, 634 yards and six touchdowns.
The Chargers have now signed three of their six rookies, including quarterback Jonathan Crompton, who signed with the team on June 3.