The Los Angeles Chargers announced they signed veteran left tackle Russell Okung to a four-year contract.
A former Pro Bowl standout and Super Bowl champion, Okung played his first six seasons with the Seattle Seahawks before suiting up for the Denver Broncos in 2016. He has started at left tackle all 100 career games he has played, including 12 in the postseason.
“Russell has been a productive and efficient tackle in this league for a very long time,” Head Coach Anthony Lynn said. “He is an athletic tackle who will bring leadership to our team. We see him being a cornerstone on our offensive line for years to come, and we’re thrilled to add him to the Chargers.”
Okung established himself as a reliable left tackle from the moment the Seahawks selected him in the first round (sixth overall) in the 2010 NFL Draft. He allowed the second fewest sacks (20) in the NFL among linemen with at least 70 starts during his tenure in Seattle.
The 6-5, 310-pound tackle is also known for his run blocking. Over his first five seasons, the Seahawks boasted the NFL’s second-ranked rushing attack, averaging 135.2 yards per game. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2012 after helping Marshawn Lynch run for a career-high 1,590 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Okung anchored an offensive line that guided the Seahawks to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, including a 43-8 victory over the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.
