Corey Liuget, Chargers Agree to New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The San Diego Chargers announced they have rewarded defensive lineman Corey Liuget for his four productive seasons with the team, signing him to a multiyear contract extension on Tuesday.

The Chargers provided a photo of Liuget signing the deal:

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, per National Football Post, reported financial details of Liuget's deal:

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San Diego Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget’s $56.727 million five-year contract extension averages $10.25 million per year and includes a $7.5 million signing bonus and $30.477 million guaranteed, according to a league source.

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Liuget spoke about how it felt to be wanted by the Chargers, saying, "It's the best feeling that money can never buy," according to Marty Caswell of The Darren Smith Show.

The extension is a wise one for the Chargers. As Chris Wesseling of NFL.com noted, "Liuget, 25, has started 61 of a possible 64 games over the past four years, leading the defensive line in snaps. Although he struggles at times against the run, he's the rare Chargers defensive star capable of pushing the pocket to harass opposing quarterbacks."

“Corey is a consummate team player who goes about his work in an unselfish manner,” general manager Tom Telesco said, per Chargers.com. “His preparation and dedication to the game and the Chargers has been evident since day one. Corey is talented, tough and durable, and plays a very important role in our defense. This extension is another reflection of our commitment to investing in our core players and homegrown talent.”

Liuget also weighed in on the contract in the statement, saying: “I want to thank the Spanos family, Tom Telesco and all my coaches for helping to make this extension possible. This is a dream come true. The Chargers are the only team I’ve ever wanted to play for since they drafted me and my number-one goal now as it has always been is just to continue to prepare and play at a high level to show them how much I appreciate their confidence in me.”

In his Chargers career, he's posted 169 tackles, 18 sacks, five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries, notching a career-high seven sacks in 2012. He led the Chargers in sacks (4.5), tackles for loss (19) and quarterback pressures (18) in 2014, per Williams.

While the headlines this offseason have centered around quarterback Philip Rivers not signing a contract extension and the Chargers declining to extend safety Eric Weddle, securing Liuget to a long-term deal ensures the team will keep an impact player on the line for many years to come. 

During negotiations, the defensive tackle spoke about what an extension with San Diego would mean to him, per Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune:

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This is where I got my first shot to play in the NFL. These guys have given me a heck of an opportunity. To have a contract extension is security for me and my family. ... (They'll get) a leader on the field and a role model off the field, a guy that's going to come work each and every day and win football games. It's just that simple.

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Indeed, Liuget has helped San Diego win football games and will continue to do so as the Chargers continue to bolster the defense.

Ensuring he remains in San Diego for years to come may not receive the majority of the headlines, but it was one of the better moves the team made heading into the 2015 season.