Dwight Lowery knows the situation he's stepping into.

For the last nine years, Eric Weddle established himself as a fixture at free safety to become one of the most popular Chargers in franchise history. 

Most players would be wary of following in those footsteps.  

Instead, Lowery relishes the opportunity.

"I know there are a lot of things being said about the safety position," he acknowledged.  "It's going to be a challenge to replace the legend that is Eric Weddle (with) what he's done and established here.  But I'm ready for the challenge.  I appreciate the challenge. I feel like challenges bring out the best in all of us, and that's what I'm coming here for."

The Chargers officially signed the eight-year veteran to a three year contract on Thursday.  Asked to describe exactly what the Bolts are getting in their new safety, Lowry broke it down in simple terms.

"I'm versatile, a ball hawk and very cerebral."

Initially a fourth round draft choice of the New York Jets, Lowery has also suited up for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts.  He's started 76 of 106 games, recording 399 tackles, 60 passes defensed, 16 interceptions, three pick-sixes, five sacks and eight forced fumbles.  The 5-11, 212-pound safety ranked third on the Colts last season with 83 tackles and recorded a career-high four interceptions.

Lowery has experienced his fair share of trials and tribulations over his career.  After missing 20 games due to injury from 2012-13, he rebounded to start all 32 the past two seasons with the Falcons and Colts.  The safety believes all he's experienced in the NFL has led to this moment.

"I'm more confident in who I am as a person," he said.  "I've been through a lot of ups and downs through my career. I've been traded.  I've been cut.  I had to try out for a team.  I've been a part of a lot of firings, hirings, owner changes, one-year contracts; I've been through a lot. I believe it made me the man I am today.  It keeps me going, and I really want to leave some sort of imprint (here). I think I went through all of those things for a reason.  I think I'm here for a reason"

He is also looking forward to pairing with Jahleel Addae in the backfield after the Chargers tendered number 37.

"I know that Jahleel plays at a very good pace and is unafraid," Lowery said.  "He obviously hits hard and has a lot of athleticism. He is from Florida, and Florida boys play with a certain style and swagger.  I appreciate that, and feel like I can really help him channel that energy and use it even more to his advantage. I'm looking forward to sitting down with him and going over the cerebral aspect of the game.  Here is what we can anticipate, and we want to show this here because of what they are giving us on offense. "

Lowery knows it is paramount he and Addae develop a quick rapport and chemistry. 

"Having that communication between us is important too because the first thing the quarterback looks at are the safeties.  That is the first tell for them, and if they don't know what we're doing, that confuses them.  They'll look somewhere else while the play clock is running down.   So building that with him is going to be an exciting part about being here."