Holdout left tackle Marcus McNeill met Wednesday with San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith, although it wasn't immediately clear if the session was productive.
The Chargers have threatened to place McNeill on the roster exempt list if he doesn't sign his contract tender by Friday. By being placed on the roster exempt list, he would face a three-game suspension once he's signed.
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A person familiar with the situation confirmed the meeting to The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the talks.
Smith, McNeill and agent Alvin Keels didn't immediately return calls and e-mails seeking comment.
McNeill, who protects quarterback Philip Rivers' blind side, and Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson, unhappy at not getting long-term deals, are believed to be willing to sit out the season's first 10 games, returning for the final six games in order to accrue a season.
Keels confirmed last week that the Chargers have threatened to place McNeill on the roster exempt list. Jackson's agent, Neil Schwartz, didn't return a call or e-mail, but it would seem to follow suit that the Chargers would also threaten his client with the same treatment.
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Jackson already has been suspended by the NFL for the first three games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Being placed on the roster exempt list would force them to move up their return, if they intend to play at all this year.
As restricted free agents, Jackson was tendered at $3,268,000 and McNeill at $3,168,000. Because they didn't sign by June 15, they have each forfeited approximately $2.5 million.
Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman ended his holdout Friday.
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