The San Diego Chargers are back in business
The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) executive board and 32 team reps voted unanimously Monday to approve the terms of a 10-year deal with owners to the end the 4 1/2-month lockout.
"This new agreement is fair for both sides," said Chargers president Dean Spanos. "Neither side got everything they wanted. It will give us labor peace for 10 years and helps secure the long-term future of the game. It will allow pro football to be even better, safer and more competitive, and to grow and prosper into the future. Bottom line, it’s good for the game and the fans who love it so much.”
At 7 a.m. PST Tuesday, a compacted hysteria of league movement will begin.
Teams can sign drafted rookies and undrafted free agents, and can discuss trades and negotiate contracts with other veteran free agents. All players under contract can report for physicals and a voluntary strength program.
Veteran free agency transactions and trades can be officially filed to the league Friday at 3 p.m. PST.
The Chargers, expected to make signing their own free agents an early priority, will open training camp Wednesday.
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The team has X unrestricted free agents who will be free to negotiate with other teams: DE Antwan Barnes, LB Kevin Burnett, DB Tyrone Carter, DE Jacques Cesaire, T Jeromey Clary, LB Stephen Cooper, LS James Dearth, WR Malcom Floyd, DB Dante Hughes, DE Travis Johnson, TE Randy McMichael, LB Brandon Moore, C Scott Mruczkowski, WR Legedu Naanee, LS Ryan O'Neill, DB Paul Oliver, LB Brandon Siler, RB Darren Sproles, QB Billy Volek, WR Kelley Washington, DB Pat Watkins and DB Eric Weddle.
Wide receiver Vincent Jackson, who missed 10 games last season after signing his restricted free agent tender midseason, remains under team control via the franchise tag.
Running back Mike Tolbert and outside linebacker Antwan Applewhite are restrictive free agents with qualifying offers from the team. Linebacker Darry Beckwith and fullback Billy Latsko are eligible for restricted free agency but were not offered a qualifying offer or minimum tender.
On Sept. 11, the Chargers' season will begin on time against the Minnesota Vikings at Qualcomm Stadium. In their first preseason game, the Chargers will host the Seattle Seahwaks on Aug. 11.
