SAN DIEGO (AP) - The San Diego Chargers agreed to a three-year
contract with center Nick Hardwick shortly before he was scheduled to
become an unrestricted free agent.
Also Tuesday, the Chargers
released left tackle Marcus McNeill due to a history of neck injuries
and to clear cap space. There's still a chance the Chargers could
re-sign McNeill, a second-round draft pick in 2006 who played in two Pro
Bowls. McNeill missed the final seven games of 2011 with a neck injury.
The
Chargers would like to re-sign left tackle Jared Gaither, who helped
stabilize the line the last five games after he was waived by Kansas
City. Gaither is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
Keeping
Hardwick is huge after left guard Kris Dielman retired due to the
effects of a concussion. Hardwick has been a starter since his rookie
season of 2004.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
