Newberry, a 10-year veteran, is the presumed starter should Nick Hardwick's recovery from March foot surgery last into the regular season. When Hardwick is healthy, there will be a likely decision to make regarding a roster spot between Newberry and current backup Cory Withrow.

“The main thing is we've got three players there,” General Manager A.J. Smith said. “We've got a timetable with Nick, but if (Hardwick is not ready), we've got another player there.”

Newberry, 32, is known as a hard-nosed player, which fits in well on the Chargers line. His biggest impediment to being a star player in the past has been injuries.

Newberry started 14 games for the Oakland Raiders last season and played the previous nine years in San Francisco. He can also play guard and has even played tackle. He is expected to be on the field for Tuesday's offseason coaching session.

By signing Newberry after June 1, he does not count as an unrestricted free agent signing and will not affect the compensatory picks the Chargers are expecting.