Chargers turn attention to the players

By: MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | Tuesday, February 20, 2007 9:13 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- The Chargers continued a pattern of locking up core players on Tuesday by signing linebacker Shaun Phillips to a six-year contract.

Phillips had a career-best 11 1/2 sacks last season.

He could have become a restricted free agent on March 2, which would have allowed him to field offers from other teams with the Chargers allowed to match.

Instead, he signed a deal through the 2012 season, 10 days before the free-agent period begins. Contract terms weren't disclosed.

"I'm committed to being a San Diego Charger," Phillips said. "I'm also committed to bringing home a Super Bowl championship to San Diego. I'm committed to that, so six years was right up my alley."

Phillips, who turns 26 in May, is the eighth Chargers player signed through at least the 2011 season. Two dozen Chargers are locked up through at least 2009.

After three NFL seasons, Phillips is viewed by many as a player about to blossom.

"I don't know if he's just scratched his potential," said general manager A.J. Smith, "I just think he was such an impact player and so solid on the run. Now if he maintains his excellence, that's really what it's all about. I really believe he has arrived, and now if he can keep playing like that, now you've got one great career underway."

Phillips had been labeled as a pass-rushing specialist in his first two NFL seasons. But after Steve Foley was lost due to injuries sustained in a shooting, Phillips became a starter and made major strides defending the run in 2006. He also finished second among NFL linebackers in sacks, behind teammate Shawne Merriman.

Now he says it's time for him to take the next step and become known for his overall game.

"I'd just like to see myself keep becoming a complete player and try to be the best in the business," said Phillips, who has 22 1/2 career sacks. "I want people to mention my name when they mention Derrick Thomas and Lawrence Taylor. I want my name mentioned in that category and in order to do that, I'm going to have to keep working. That's what I'm committed to doing."

Phillips was a bargain this past season. According to figures from the NFL Players Association, Phillips had a base salary of $425,000.

Though his new contract terms weren't made available, it's clear that Phillips will receive a major pay raise. Backup linebackers Matt Wilhelm and Stephen Cooper previously were signed by the club to long-term deals calling for base salaries totaling $10 million over the next five years for Wilhelm and $8.5 million over the next four seasons for Cooper.

In other news, strength and conditioning coach Dave Redding and coaching administrator John Wuehrmann were released by the organization Tuesday, according to a team official. Both men had long associations with former coach Marty Schottenheimer dating back to Schottenheimer's time with the Cleveland Browns in the 1980s.

New coach Norv Turner indicated he might add an offensive quality-control assistant to his staff.

Turner leaves today for the NFL combine in Indianapolis. Smith heads to the draft-scouting event on Thursday.

Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at msullivan@nctimes.com. Comment at sports.nctimes.com.