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HOT TOPIC
Center Nick Hardwick has entered into a long-term commitment. It's his second such commitment of the offseason.
Hardwick and the Chargers agreed to a six-year extension recently, which came on the heels of Hardwick proposing to his girlfriend.
Hardwick, a third-round pick in 2004, is linked to the Chargers through the 2011 season. The fresh pact was worth a reported $5 million in bonuses and could average some $3 million over six years.
"I'm thrilled that I'm going to get to be here for a while," Hardwick said. "I love San Diego and have great relationships with my teammates. I'm looking forward to this team continuing to move in the right direction. We're going the right way and we're only going to get better."
The offensive line needs to improve if the Chargers are to make the playoffs for the second time since 1995. Hardwick and is cohorts wore down as the 2005 season wore on - an injury to veteran left tackle Roman Oben didn't help the cause, either.
But Hardwick is optimistic the line can rebound. If it does, it will do so under its third line coach in three years. Jack Henry has replaced Carl Mauck; Mauck had replaced Hudson Houck.
It's imperative Hardwick has a big year. He's responsible for barking out the blocking assignments, and being on the same page with his teammates has never been more important.
The Chargers will attempt to break in a first-year starting quarterback in Philip Rivers. And his confidence will be difficult to build if he's rocked too many times by pass-rushers.
But the Chargers think they have their anchor in the middle for years to come. Hardwick is set for the challenge, after adding some 20-25 pounds to his 6-foot-4 frame this offseason.
PLAYER NOTES
--Coach Marty Schottenheimer is looking forward to his short down time. "I'll have an occasion to visit relatives and have relatives visit me," he said. "I'm sure I'll find my way to the golf course a few times as well. We'll all get reenergized and refocused as we prepare to pursue the task in front of us."
--QB Philip Rivers is set to become the father of his third daughter any day.
--The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is hiring consultants to study the feasibility of joining with the Chargers in building a new stadium. The club can speak to cities outside the county on Jan. 1.
--RB LaDainian Tomlinson really has arrived. The Pro Bowler now has his own Nike shoe called "Scream LT".
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--WR Drew Haddad (not tendered as ERFA).
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
--LB Howard Hodges.
--RB Calvin Murray.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--LB Stephen Cooper: RFA; $1.573M/1 yr.
--OG Kris Dielman: RFA; $1.573M/1 yr.
--S Clinton Hart; Potential RFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown.
--WR Kassim Osgood: Potential RFA; 4 yrs, terms unknown.
--DE Jacques Cesaire: Potential RFA; 5 yrs, terms unknown.
--LB Carlos Polk: Potential UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--FB Andrew Pinnock: Potential RFA; 5 yrs, terms unknown.
--LB Matt Wilhelm: RFA; $721,600/1 yr.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--TE Brandon Manumaleuna: Trade Rams.
--S Marlon McCree: UFA Panthers; $16M/5 yrs, SB unknown.
--TE Aaron Shea: UFA Browns; 3 yrs, terms unknown.
--CB Raymond Walls: UFA Cardinals; terms unknown.
--WR Rashaun Woods: Trade 49ers.
PLAYERS LOST
--QB Drew Brees: UFA Saints; $60/6 yrs, $8M SB/$12M OB '07.
--WR Reche Caldwell: UFA Patriots; terms unknown.
--CB Sammy Davis: Traded 49ers.
--CB Jamar Fletcher: UFA Lions; terms unknown.
--OG Bob Hallen: UFA Browns; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
--LB Ben Leber: UFA Vikings; 5 yrs, $4M SB.
--TE Justin Peelle: UFA Dolphins; terms unknown.
--DE DeQuincy Scott: UFA Vikings; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--OL Courtney VanBuren (not tendered as RFA/Lions; terms unknown).
--S Jerry Wilson (released).
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