Johnson signed to add depth to linebacker unit

Yet to make most San Diego Chargers fans elated by signing a big-time pass-rusher, the Lightning Bolts added a much-less exciting player in former Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Jarret Johnson today. All of the terms have not been released, but it is believed the length of the contract is four years.

Though not a dynamic pass-rusher, Johnson is considered one of the better run-stuffers from the outside linebacker position. He had just 2.5 sacks in 2011 and has recorded just 20 quarterback takedowns in the last seven years. The thought is he'll do the grunt work during running situations and keep pass-rushers such as Antwan Barnes fresher for third downs. If nothing else, Johnson is durable, as he played 129 consecutive games for the Ravens, starting 80 of them.

Johnson, about to turn 31 this August, will be entering his 10th season. It will be interesting to see how he'll fit in on a team that currently has Barnes, Shaun Phillips, Travis LaBoy, and 2009 first-round pick Larry English at outside linebacker. If general manager A.J. Smith doesn't sign either Houston Texans defensive end/outside linebacker Mario Williams or Oakland Raiders linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, who's expected to be released soon, it is believed San Diego will select a pass-rusher in the first or second round of April's draft.