A closer look: Nathan Vasher

SAN DIEGO – Nathan Vasher once was a vital cog in the Chicago Bears’ defense. The team that drafted him in 2004 let him go this spring after six seasons and one Pro Bowl. Vasher has eschewed any sort of bitterness toward his old franchise, due in part to his signing with San Diego, which seeks a fifth consecutive AFC West championship this year. “I’ll do whatever they ask me to do. Any position on the back end (of the secondary) to special teams, pretty much anything,” Vasher said. “My first priority is being able to win ballgames and they’ve been able to do that here, so I’m excited about that.” Vasher, who’s also taken reps as a kick returner during OTAs and Mini Camp, shared the record for longest return in NFL history until Antonio Cromartie broke it in 2007. He returned a missed field goal 108 yards against San Francisco on Nov. 13, 2005, as a member of the Chicago Bears. One of his blockers on that play? Chargers defensive end Alfonso Boone, who heckled Vasher ...