San Diego Chargers signed backup tight end Brandon Manumaleuna to a new 3 year contract through 2009. The financial terms of the deal are not available yet. The new deal replaces the 5 year deal that Manumaleuna signed with the St. Louis Rams in 2004 before he was traded to San Diego for a 4th round draft pick in a trade that took place on the weekend of the draft. Under that previous contract, he was going to earn salaries of $1.475 million in 2007 and $1.525 million in 2008.
Manumaleuna is not a full-time starter with pro-bowler Antonio Gates starting before him at the tight end position. However, because new Charger head coach Norv Turner likes to use multiple-tight end formations and he can play h-back and obviously tight end, Manumaleuna will most likely have a bigger role in the San Diego offense this season.
Last year in his first season with San Diego, Manumaleunain 16 games and 7 starts compiled 91 yards on 14 receptions and scored 3 touchdowns in a 2 tight end set with Antonio Gates. In his career, the 27 year old has played in 94 games with 62 starts, getting 80 receptions for 793 yards and 9 touchdowns.
In describing Manumaleuna, Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said this,"Brandon's ability to contribute in both the run game and the passing game were key to our success in 2006. He's an extremely talented blocker, but also showed last year that he can make the tough catch when we need him to."
I like Manumaleuna for San Diego alongside Gates. He offers a nice complement to him in the passing game, and also helps with the running game, as he is a very good blocker.
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