Chargers add Nathan Vasher to defensive backfield

The San Diego Chargers bolstered their defensive backfield Monday when Nathan Vasher, a veteran of six NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears (2004-09), agreed to a two-year contract.

Vasher, 28, has started 46 of 73 career NFL games, recording 19 interceptions, including eight in 2005 when he was voted to the NFC Pro Bowl squad. Also that season, Vasher returned a missed field-goal attempt versus San Francisco 108 yards for a touchdown that at the time was the longest play in NFL history.

In 2009 he played in 15 games and recorded 15 tackles and one interception. In his only matchup against the Chargers, Vasher recorded two tackles and a quarterback sack in the 2007 season opener in San Diego.

“In Nathan Vasher, we’re adding a proven NFL player with experience in the league,” said General Manager A.J. Smith. “Having played in Chicago under Chargers Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera (2004-06) and Secondary Coach Steve Wilks (2006-08) is an added bonus.”

Vasher was originally selected in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft out of the University of Texas. He was the Longhorns’ starting strong safety as a sophomore in 2001 in the same backfield as senior cornerback Quentin Jammer.

Up and running: The team’s offseason conditioning program started Monday for select players and, as expected, attendance was high. Nearly 40 players were at Chargers Park for the voluntary workouts, most notably, restricted free agent Darren Sproles. Veteran players aren’t due to officially begin workouts until next week, but several vets, including Philip Rivers, Jacques Cesaire, Jeromey Clary and recently signed free agent Donald Strickland, were present.

SOURCE: San Diego Chargers