McMichael coming back

The San Diego Chargers will not have to look for a new backup to superstar tight end Antonio Gates, as Randy McMichael is returning for his third season with the Lightning Bolts. According to U-T San Diego's Michael Gehlken, McMichael just agreed to a two-year deal with the Chargers this afternoon.

After joining the Chargers in 2010, McMichael has been an ultra-reliable player for head coach Norv Turner. The soon-to-be-33-year-old tight end has played every game over the last two years, and he's excelled as a blocker and on special teams. Additionally, he's come up big in place of an injured Gates, who's missed nine games over the last two seasons. McMichael has caught 50 passes for 492 yards and two touchdowns with San Diego.

In addition to re-signing McMichael, San Diego retained third-string tight end Kory Sperry with a one-year deal earlier this week. Chargers general manager A.J. Smith is still expected to add a fourth tight end, most likely with a mid-to-late round draft pick this April, since both Gates and McMichael are in their thirties.