San Diego has released left tackle Marcus McNeill after six seasons. The Chargers also tendered three of its four restricted and exclusive rights free agents and also released four others.
SAN DIEGO – The Chargers released left tackle Marcus McNeill on Tuesday.
San Diego also tendered three of its four restricted and exclusive rights free agents and released four others, including cornerback Dante Hughes.
General Manager A.J. Smith said the team is open to re-sign McNeill, who has started 82 games for the Chargers since joining the team as a second-round selection in 2006. He earned two Pro Bowl selections with San Diego.
McNeill injured his neck Nov. 10 against Oakland and went on Reserve-Injured three weeks later. McNeill started 20 of 36 games at left tackle the last two seasons. McNeill’s injury played a factor in his release.
The Chargers maintained negotiating rights to restricted free agent Brandyn Dombrowski as well as on exclusive rights free agents Richard Goodman and Mike Windt by tendering a contract offer. San Diego will have a chance to match any other team’s potential offer for Dombrowski. Goodman and Windt cannot sign with another team.
San Diego also released Hughes outright. Hughes played all 16 games as the Chargers’ nickel back in 2011 and played 12 games for the Bolts in 2010. At the NFL Combine a few weeks ago, Head Coach Norv Turner said the team has identified covering slot receivers as an area it wants to improve.
The Chargers also waived outside linebackers Everette Brown, inside linebacker Nate Triplett and wide receiver Bryan Walters.
The following players will become unrestricted free agents as of 1 p.m. PT today: Stephen Cooper, Patrick Crayton, Na’il Diggs, Jared Gaither, Antonio Garay, Steve Gregory, Nick Hardwick, Tommie Harris, Jacob Hester, Vincent Jackson, Randy McMichael, Tony Moll, Scott Mruczkowski, Paul Oliver, Bob Sanders, Kory Sperry and Mike Tolbert.