Jared

Gaither

A rumor apparently circulated recently that a Gaither-for-Asomugha deal was on the table, but we never caught wind of it. According to the Sun, the speculation was sparked “around low-level internet gossip sites.” The Ravens would be taking on well over $10 million in salary, while giving up a potential franchise left tackle, if they executed the unlikely deal.

The Raiders put Gaither through an extensive medical checkup on Friday, but he apparently couldn’t pass a physical. He didn’t play a single down last year, so this has the look of a long-term problem. For a 25-year-old with All-Pro caliber talent as a left tackle, it’s an awfully unfortunate situation.

The Raiders would have the tallest bookends in the league if they ended up pairing 6'9" Gaither with 6'9" second-year tackle Jered Veldheer. Coach Hue Jackson is making an effort to change the culture in Oakland. Gaither comes with attitude question marks, though, after a falling out with the Ravens coaching staff.

Back woes have hampered Gaither badly, but he has shown the ability to be a franchise-caliber left tackle. While the Ravens coaches seemed to question Gaither’s attitude at times, Hue Jackson knows what he’s getting from his own time in Baltimore. At 6'9/340, Gaither will form an imposing booked with 6'9" Jared Veldheer, who is expected to kick to right tackle now.

Gaither, who spent his first four seasons in Baltimore, finally seems to have his career on track after a shaky Ravens tenure. Ravens coaches “lauded” the Chargers’ four-year, $24.6 million deal with Gaither, and wished he’d have worked out better in Baltimore. He’ll be San Diego’s left tackle this year.

Re-signing Gaither is one of the Chargers’ top priorities, but his player rep says a deal is not “imminent.” The Chargers will have a huge hole at left tackle if Gaither is allowed to walk, as they are expected to release longtime LT Marcus McNeill in the coming weeks over medical concerns.

McNeill had proven to be one of the league’s more durable left tackles before signing a six-year, $48.9 million extension in October 2010, but has been plagued by injury ever since, appearing in just 20 of a possible 32 games the past two seasons. He underwent two knee surgeries last offseason before a neck ailment sent him to injured reserve in November. It made no sense for the Bolts to pay his $10.5 million 2012 salary after waivers acquisition Jared Gaither fared surprisingly well in McNeill’s absence. Now a free agent, re-signing Gaither figures to be a priority for the Chargers.

Gaither’s surprisingly solid five-game run after being claimed off waivers last November has earned him a shot at being Philip Rivers’ long-term blindside protector. The 6-foot-9, 340-pound tackle’s talent has never been in question, but his durability and commitment have. Nevertheless, he could prove to be a steal if his play down the stretch last season proves to be a harbinger instead of a mere hot streak.

The deal includes an $8 million signing bonus, and $13.5 million guaranteed. It’s a ton of money for a player once referred to as “Big Lazy,” and a bet that Gaither’s stellar play down the stretch last season wasn’t just a contract drive. Gaither allowed only three pressures, and zero sacks, in five games after taking over as Philip Rivers’ blindside protector.

Gaither has always been long on talent and is still only 25 years old, but it was concerning that he couldn’t get on the field in Kansas City considering the Chiefs’ poor tackle play, particularly RT Barry Richardson’s. Gaither is a free agent in the offseason, so he may not last long in San Diego.