In addition to their signing of defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin, the San Diego Chargers announced that they have agreed on a one-year contract with running back Jackie Battle and released guard Kris Dielman from the "reserve/retired" list.
Play fantasy football on NFL.com
Your fantasy team plays in the NFL, so why don't you? Sign up to play the NFL's official free fantasy football game.
Battle, 28, has spent the last five seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, totaling 715 yards and four touchdowns on the ground and 14 receptions for 76 yards as a receiver out of the backfield. Battle started four of 15 games in 2011, establishing career highs with 597 yards and two touchdowns. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Battle paid a free agent visit to the Chargers on March 21 but was not signed.
With Ryan Mathews expected to carry a heavier load in the Chargers' backfield, Battle will compete with Ronnie Brown for the No. 2 job this summer.
Dielman finished the 2011 season on injured reserve after suffering a concussion during an October loss to the New York Jets. On the return flight to San Diego, Dielman reportedly suffered a seizure and he announced his retirement in February.
Being released from the "reserve/retired" list means that Dielman becomes a free agent who is free to sign with any team should he decide to continue his career. Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego reports that Dielman will not return to the playing field.
The Chargers also announced they released rookie free agent fullback Mohamed Marah.
