With Antonio Gates, Asante Cleveland, Sean McGrath and Tim Semisch the only tight ends under contract, the question wasn't if the Chargers would add a TE to the roster but rather who.
The answer is Jeff Cumberland, as San Diego signed the veteran to a one-year deal on Monday.
Cumberland has proven to be a capable receiver and stout blocker over his first six NFL seasons. Since joining the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois, the 6-4, 260-pound tight end has caught 86 passes for 1,119 yards and 10 touchdowns in 65 career games.
After battling injuries his first two seasons, Cumberland enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2012, catching 29 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns as he was named the team's Ed Block Courage Award winner. He caught at least 20 passes in three straight seasons from 2012-14, setting career-highs in yards (398) and touchdowns (four) in 2013.
