Smith announces offseason plans
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Thursday, Feb 28, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
On the eve of free agency and the NFL new year, Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith discussed the moves the Bolts will make this spring to shape their roster.
Headlining Smith’s plans was the decision to release three veterans. Fullback Lorenzo Neal, safety Marlon McCree and tackle Shane Olivea were informed of their release Thursday morning. All three players requested their release for the opportunity to start elsewhere.
Next, Smith turned to the team’s three unrestricted free agents. Cornerback Drayton Florence, running back Michael Turner and quarterback Billy Volek will hit the market Thursday evening. He said the team expects that Florence and Turner will receive big contracts elsewhere and are unlikely to return.
Volek, who has some experience as a starter and would like another shot at leading an offense on a fulltime basis, plans to test the market but will remain in contact with the Chargers. The door is open for his possible return.
Three players who ended the season on the Chargers’ 53-man roster entered the offseason as restricted free agents. On Wednesday, the Bolts agreed to a new three-year contract with guard Scott Mruczkowski.
Smith announced that the team has placed a second-round tender on linebacker Marques Harris. That means another team may sign Harris to an “offer sheet,” but the Chargers have the option to match the offer. If the Chargers chose not to match the offer, San Diego would receive that team’s second-round pick in April’s NFL Draft.
Kicker Dave Rayner, who was signed to help on kickoffs after Nate Kaeding suffered a late-season leg injury, will not be tendered a new contract by the Chargers.
In addition to the three restricted free agents, the Bolts have six Exclusive Rights Free Agents. Offensive tackle Jeromey Clary, wide receiver Malcom Floyd, cornerback Cletis Gordon, safety Steve Gregory and defensive tackle Brandon McKinney will be offered tenders, meaning that they do not have the opportunity to negotiate with other clubs.
Running back Tyronne Gross is an exclusive rights free agent but will not be tendered.
After addressing free agency, Smith turned to the draft. The Chargers currently have four selections, with their first being the 27th overall pick. They’re also scheduled to pick in the fifth, sixth and seventh rounds. The NFL will award compensatory picks in March, and the Chargers expect to receive one after losing linebacker Donnie Edwards in free agency last spring.
The Chargers return 20 starters this fall, and the two players who are expected to move up on the depth chart, Eric Weddle and Andrew Pinnock, are already on the Bolts’ roster. That truly gives Smith the luxury of selecting the best player available with each draft pick.
The only positions the Bolts will not consider pursuing in the draft are punter, kicker and tight end.
The Bolts are down to four picks because they traded their second-round pick to the Miami Dolphins last October for wide receiver Chris Chambers, used their third-round pick as part of a package to move up and draft safety Eric Weddle in the 2007 draft, and they executed their fourth-round pick on cornerback Paul Oliver in last July’s Supplemental Draft.
Mike Nowak, Chargers.com
Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith took time Thursday to outline the team's personnel plans for this spring.
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General Manager A.J. SmithChargers General Manager A.J. Smith discusses with the local media and took questions about the team’s plans for 2008. |
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