SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Chargers announced on Friday that they've reached an agreement on a four-year deal that keeps left tackle King Dunlap in the fold, not letting the pending unrestricted free agent hit the open market in March.
The deal is worth $28 million, a league source confirmed to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan.
Dunlap, 29, started all 16 games for the Chargers in 2014 and was the team's top priority this offseason. He played 1,000 snaps, giving up only three sacks on 625 passing plays this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Dunlap signed a two-year, $3.95 million contract during the 2013 offseason as a project. He exceeded expectations by cementing his status as San Diego's left tackle for two seasons.
"It's probably the best season I've had in a while," Dunlap said at the completion of the 2014 season. "It was good. Being healthy is my biggest thing. I feel like if I'm healthy, I'll work hard enough to where I'm somewhat successful. Staying healthy was huge."
Dunlap is a favorite of Chargers offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris. Dunlap has known D'Alessandris since high school, when he tried to recruit him to Georgia Tech. Dunlap chose Auburn instead. Over a decade later, D'Alessandris finally got his man, and now will get to work with him for the next four seasons.
With veteran center Nick Hardwick and guard Jeromey Clary recently retiring, Dunalp provides leadership and stability for San Diego's revamped, young offensive line.
