The Chargers passing game was not a problem in 2014. But, even if you have holes in other spots on the field that need to be almost immediately addressed, there's nothing wrong with making a strength even stronger.
So, the Bolts signed former Rams wide receiver Austin Pettis to a "reserve-future" contract on Friday. That basically means the Bolts have him on the 90-man roster and no other team can sign him, so Pettis will go to training camp with San Diego and try to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Pettis was a 3rd-round pick out of Boise State in 2011 and caught 107 passes 9 for touchdowns with St. Louis. He was released by the Rams in October after being late for a team meeting and worked out for the Chargers last month.
Pettis is not a burner. He ran in the mid-4.5 range at the NFL Combine. But, he's 6'3" and 205 pounds, so he has the kind of size the Chargers like in their wideouts.
Eddie Royal is a free agent, and while the Chargers will make a strong push to bring him back, General Manager Tom Telesco is looking for depth at the position. You know, just in case.
Pettis spent the first four years of his career catching passes mostly from Sam Bradford (on the rare times he was healthy), Kellen Clemens (now the Chargers backup QB), A.J. Feeley (formerly the Chargers backup QB). Austin Davis and Shaun Hill. You have to figure he's over the moon with excitement getting the chance to work with Philip Rivers.
