Brandon Mebane to Chargers: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

The San Diego Chargers bolstered their defensive line Wednesday with the addition of former Seattle Seahawks nose tackle Brandon Mebane. 

The team announced the deal is worth three years, though the Chargers did not immediately disclose the financial figures. Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported the deal is for three years and $13.5 million. 

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported Wednesday morning the Seahawks were working to keep Mebane before free agency opened at 4 p.m. ET.

However, Mebane had been in conversations with the Chargers for days, per Gehlken.

Mebane was the longest-tenured Seahawk and expressed strong interest in finishing his career in Seattle on Feb. 29. At that time, he downplayed the visits he planned to take, per Eric Mandel of ESPN 710 AM in Seattle:

"

That's part of the process of being a free agent, but that don't really mean a whole lot. Taking a visit don't really mean nothing. It's just like recruiting all over again, like out of high school going to college. You take five visits when you're in high school and you go visit places.

That's all part of the process, as far as taking trips here and there, but it's just a trip, it ain't really like saying a whole lot.

"

Mebane was a key cog in Seattle's vaunted defense that was its catalyst in four straight playoff appearances. In nine seasons with the Seahawks, Mebane registered 228 tackles and 15.5 sacks.

His departure from Seattle is a big blow for a defense that will see edge-rusher Bruce Irvin leave for the Oakland Raiders, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Seahawks retained Mebane’s nose tackle partner, Ahtyba Rubin, and also have Jordan Hill and A.J. Francis at the position. 

Mebane should provide some immediate run defense to his new nose tackle unit, which features Sean Lissemore and Corey Liuget. The Chargers ranked 13th in total defense last year but were sixth-worst against the run. An upgrade was needed, and Mebane provides that.

The Chargers warmly welcomed their new acquisition via Twitter:

In a strong defensive division, the Chargers are making the right personnel moves to keep pace.