Chargers Extend Contracts of Jyles Tucker and Steve Gregory

By the San Diego Chargers
Posted Monday, August 25, 2008

The San Diego Chargers have signed linebacker Jyles Tucker and safety Steve Gregory to five and four-year contract extensions, respectively. Tucker’s new contract will run through the 2012 season, while Gregory’s will run through 2011.

Both players are former undrafted rookies.

"Both Jyles and Steve did it the hard way," said Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith. "They came to us as undrafted free agents, spent some time on the practice squad and earned their way on to the 53-man roster by working extremely hard. Both have become productive players and we're extremely excited to have them in the fold for years to come."

Tucker, 6-3, 258, is in his second NFL season out of Wake Forest . He emerged from the Chargers’ practice squad in 2007 and finished the season as the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week following a three-sack outing in the ’07 season finale at Oakland . Tucker was elevated to the active roster prior to the team’s Nov. 25 game against Baltimore and he helped the Chargers finish the regular season with six straight wins. He recorded 3.5 sacks and seven tackles on defense, while contributing six more tackles on special teams. In the playoffs, Tucker had four tackles on defense and three on special teams. Tucker would have become an exclusive rights free agent following the ’08 season.

Gregory, 5-11, 185, is in his third NFL season out of Syracuse . He has proven to be an outstanding special teams player, who has helped the Chargers to consecutive AFC West championships. Gregory racked up 21 special teams tackles during his first two seasons. He also is a capable reserve in the secondary, currently serving as the Bolts’ backup at strong safety behind Clinton Hart. Gregory was scheduled to become a restricted free agent following the ’08 campaign.

With the signings of Tucker and Gregory, the Chargers now have 33 players signed through at least the 2010 season and 18 signed through 2011.
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