San Diego Chargers Sign Max Starks to a 1-Year Deal

The San Diego Chargers signed veteran left tackle Max Starks, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers, to a one-year deal on Tuesday, as reported by Michael Gehlken of UT San Diego.

Starks, a 10-year veteran, started all 16 games at left tackle for the Steelers last year and has been a major piece of Pittsburgh's offensive line during the team's successful postseason runs in the last decade.

After the team signed Dwight Freeney last Saturday, it didn't seem likely that there would be any cap room left for a veteran left tackle of Stark's caliber. However, GM Tom Telesco has found a way to add a formidable player to protect Philip Rivers' blindside this season.

Starks tweeted the news of his signing with San Diego earlier today:

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After adding Starks, San Diego also announced it had parted ways with offensive tackle Kevin Haslam. 

Starks and King Dunlap will likely be the top two candidates competing for the starting job, but Starks' experience should prevail.

Looking at this offensive line and how it has changed from a year ago, Telesco has done an impressive job maneuvering the team's salary cap and adding personnel the team desperately needed.

Starks will not only become a reliable option to plug in at the left tackle spot, but his experience could very well prove useful in the development of first-round pick D.J. Fluker.

Initially, Nick Hardwick and Jeromey Clary were slated to be the team's only experienced players on the offensive line. After the draft and free agency, the Chargers have added a wealth of experience in the addition of players like Starks, Chad Rinehart, Rich Ohrnberger and Dunlap.