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General Manager A.J. Smith and the Chargers made their second move of the 2006 freeangency period by signing former Cleveland Browns tight end Aaron Shea to a three-year deal.

“Aaron is a tough, competitive guy that will bring a package to our passing game so that (Offensive Coordinator) Cam Cameron will be able to utilize him,” Smith said. “He’s got some very good speed, quickness and hands. He’s a competitive blocker. The experience factor is huge. He’s been in the league for a long time. He’s another player with high character who will represent our program well. ”

A native of Ottawa, Illinois, Shea spent the first six years of his career with the Browns. After visiting with the Steelers and 49ers earlier in the week, a recruiting pitch that included Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer’s family helped seal the deal with the Michigan grad.

“The situation was perfect,” Shea said. “I got a great feel from the organization. There seems to be a real family atmosphere here. I met Coach Schottenheimer’s wife Pat, and she was so nice and welcoming. I hoped my free agent tour would end in San Diego, and fortunately we were able to make that happen.”

Like Marlon McCree, whose connections with secondary coach Brian Stewart assisted in his signing last week, Shea has strong ties to his new position coach with the Chargers. Bolts tight ends coach Rob Chudzinski held the same position with the Browns in 2004. Shea set career highs that season in receptions (26), receiving yards (252) and touchdown catches (4).

“It’s no coincidence that I had my best season that year with Rob,” Shea said. “Chud found a way to really get me involved and help me be productive. He’s such a technician. He really helped me with my footwork and mechanics. He really knows how to coach me, and I’m thrilled to get to play for him again.”

Aaron Shea had the best season of his six-year career in 2004 with Rob Chudzinski.

With All-Pro Antonio Gates already in the mix, Shea give the Chargers a second tight end that can contribute in the passing game. Shea is also committed to doing the “dirty work” when necessary.

“I’m looking forward to playing with Antonio, the best tight end in the game,” Shea said. “If you get two guys that can stretch the middle of the field like that, I think it will help the entire offense. I’ve played on the line of scrimmage, spent time at fullback and in an H-back role. I can block, play special teams or do whatever they need me to. I’m going to give it all I’ve got and hopefully help this team.”

In addition to his ties with Chudzinski, Shea is also closely connected to a pair of Chargers’ offensive linemen. Those relationships also helped nudge him to San Diego as well.

“I grew up about 10 miles from Mike Goff and hung out with him some in high school,” Shea said. “I also played with Roman Oben in Cleveland and am excited to be around him again. It’s always nice to have some familiar faces around. I’m also looking forward to a change of scenery. I’ve been in the Mid West. I played at Michigan and spent six years in Cleveland. I need a little sunshine. I can’t wait to work on my tan.”

Former Chargers on the move

Free agent wide receiver Reche Caldwell signed a two-year contract with the New England Patriots Friday, ending his four-year tender with the Bolts. Caldwell caught 76 passes for 950 yards and seven touchdowns in his four seasons in San Diego. He fills a need for New England, who lost free agent receiver David Givens to the Tennessee Titans earlier this week.

On Wednesday, free agent guard/center Bob Hallen went home, signing a two-year deal with the Browns. A native of Cleveland suburb Mentor, Ohio and graduate of Kent State University, Hallen will have the opportunity to earn a spot on the Browns’ revamped offensive line that includes recent additions LeCharles Bentley and Kevin Schaffer.

Former Chargers guard Tonui Fonoti signed a one-year contract with the Oakland Raiders earlier this week, but the deal became void when Fonoti failed his physical. Fonoti remains a free agent, but had a visit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week.

Earlier this week, the Washington Post reported that the Redskins have an interest in free agent cornerback Jamar Fletcher.

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