Cletis

Gordon

While he should be healthy around the start of training camp, this gives Cletis Gordon and rookie Jamar Wall a chance to step up. Scandrick was Dallas’ weakest defensive back last year, including Ken Hamlin, and intercepted just one pass in 640 snaps. He shouldn’t be guaranteed the nickel job.

This is probably a clear sign that the Bolts will allow Drayton Florence to play out his walk year and test the free agent market in 2008. Oliver is a physical corner with only marginal speed and size. As a rookie, he’ll likely compete with Cletis Gordon and Steve Gregory to be the Chargers’ dime back.

While we try to figure out why the release of the regular season schedule is even remotely a big deal when we already knew who everyone will play, Cletis Gordon is signing one-year deals. The special teams performer/dime back will compete for playing time with Antoine Cason in training camp.

He was just signed last week. Dallas needed an option on punt returns, so Allen Rossum will take Gordon’s place on the roster.

Gordon, a dime back/special teamer, will provide depth with Dunta Robinson holding out and Jacques Reeves sidelined.

Gordon immediately becomes a candidate to return to San Diego, where the team is desperate for a fourth cornerback. Gordon can also return kicks.

Gordon is versed in man coverage, which new Detroit coordinator Gunther Cunningham will use plenty of, but the 26-year-old isn’t a candidate to start.

Gordon played under Wade Phillips in San Diego three years ago, but he’s just being brought in for emergency depth with Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb) and Mike Hamlin (wrist) out.

The Chargers were reportedly unhappy with his “lack of physicality” on special teams, so they’re giving him a chance to catch on elsewhere. 2008 first-round pick Antoine Cason will be the Bolts’ nickel back this season.

They’re going with former Vikings third-round pick Marcus McCauley instead. Gordon has a $1.545 million salary and will likely clear waivers this time.