The San Diego Chargers just made their offensive backfield stronger for another couple of years. The team has reportedly agreed to a contract extension with backup running back Danny Woodhead, giving them further stability at the position through the 2016 season.

Woodhead led all running backs in San Diego in receptions last year, as he caught 76 balls as a key part of rookie head coach Mike McCoy’s quick-passing offense. Woodhead was also effectively used as a rusher as part of a two-back system with starter Ryan Mathews, as he churned out a career high 106 rushing attempts and put up over 1,000 total yards and eight total scores.

While Woodhead will turn 30 next January, this signing appears to have more to do with Ryan Mathews than Woodhead on the surface. Keeping Woodhead through 2016 ensures the Chargers will retain that quality backup and elite passing down back presence, while current third stringer Donald Brown could potentially leapfrog Woodhead to take on lead back duties beyond 2014.

Ryan Mathews is slated for another workhorse season in 2014, but with this being a contract season, there is growing speculation that this year could be his last in San Diego. Every move the Chargers have made up until this point suggests that is indeed the case, as both Woodhead and Brown are now under contract through the 2016 season.

Hypothetically, this new found depth at running back could have the Chargers rolling with just Brown and Woodhead as their two main backs in a committee system in 2015. At the same time, San Diego would then have 2015 and possibly even 2016 to secure a long-term starter for the position in either the draft or free agency.

Both Woodhead and Brown are smaller backs that are extremely effective in change of pace roles, but may not be quite as effective as every down starters. However, if they split the load, they could potentially be a fine two-back team in 2015. Regardless, the long-term plan appears to replace Ryan Mathews if the team cannot sign him cheaply. Signing him cheaply is looking more and more like an unlikely scenario, as well, since Mathews broke out for a career best season in 2013 and is primed to build upon that success in 2014 as the lead rusher and “bellcow” back, yet again.

The good news for Woodhead is that he’s a key part of San Diego’s plan over the next three seasons, whether it’s just in his still prominent passing down role or something much bigger starting in 2015.