Jared Gaither Looking To Validate Investment

Last month, the San Diego Chargers locked up free agent left tackle Jared Gaither with a four-year, $24.5 million contract that included $13.5 million in full or partial guarantees. Gaither has heard the rumblings that a swollen bank account could affect his performance and is looking forward to silencing his doubters, Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

"I really laugh when I hear that stuff because when you look at everything that's occurred over my career, the only real bump I ran into was being injured, and that's not something I can really control," said Gaither. 

A Supplemental Draft choice by the Baltimore Ravens in 2007, the 6-foot-9, 340-pound Gaither started two games as a rookie, 15 of 16 games in 2008 and 11 games in 2009 before suffering a neck injury. Gaither missed all of 2010 with a back injury and split last season between the Kansas City Chiefs, where he appeared in 10 games as a reserve, and the Chargers, where he replaced an injured Marcus McNeill and started the final five games of the season.

According to Gehlken, Gaither has been a constant presence at the voluntary workout program.

"This is how I show my dedication," Gaither said. "Every day, working hard and being with the guys. I show my dedication/appreciation. You invested in me. Now, I'm just as invested."