CHARGERS: Big deal for Castillo: Defensive end signs five-year, $43 million extension to stay with team

By JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Tuesday, July 22, 2008 11:39 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- Luis Castillo without words is a like a San Diego summer day minus sunshine ---- it seldom happens.

On Tuesday, the former was true.

"You guys know me,'' said Castillo, the Chargers' defensive end. "You know I am not usually short of words, but today is different.''

Castillo isn't low on cash, either. The fourth-year pro signed a five-year, $43 million contract extension Tuesday that will keep him with the Chargers through 2014.

When presented with the figures ---- $17.5 million of the deal is guaranteed ---- Castillo confirmed them, then broke into a wide smile.

"It's an incredible feeling,'' said Castillo, who snagged a $6.15 million signing bonus, with roster clauses of $4.35 million, $4.75 million and $2.25 million for the next three years.

Coach Norv Turner nearly matched Castillo's joy.

"Luis is an outstanding football player, and this will make me sleep better each night,'' Turner said.

Castillo is just the latest core player the Chargers have retained. In recent seasons, they have locked up young players like tight end Antonio Gates, guard Kris Dielman, center Nick Hardwick, linebacker Stephen Cooper and linebacker Matt Wilhelm, choosing to spend money on in-house players rather than chase high-priced free agents.

"As we've seen since I've been here, the organization is committed to winning,'' quarterback Philip Rivers said. "That means getting top-of-the-line guys in here, first of all, and also heckuva football players.

"Luis is a great teammate and knows how to play ---- he is a football player who gets after it."

Rivers is among those seeking what Castillo received: an extension to remain in San Diego. Others with contracts expiring the next two years are linebacker Shawne Merriman, offensive tackle Marcus McNeill, receiver Vincent Jackson, cornerback Antonio Cromartie and Gates.

"Look around this team of incredibly talented players we have, and it's a credit to the Chargers to put themselves in this position,'' said Castillo, who was picked in the first round of the 2005 draft along with Merriman. "They have all these young guys who they are going to have to take care of, and look at their plan and what they are trying to do ---- they are doing everything they can do to keep us together.

"When you make that type of commitment to a team for that amount of time, it's a great feeling when you know they are going to do everything they can to put the pieces in place to go out and win a championship."

Castillo's tale is interesting in that he entered the league with a stain. After testing positive for steroids at the 2005 NFL scouting combine, he wrote a letter to NFL teams assuring them he would be forever clean. If not, he would forfeit part of his rookie pay.

The Chargers gambled on Castillo, taking him with the 28th pick of the first round. And the gamble has proven beneficial for both parties.

He has started 33 games and recorded 13 sacks, with seven coming in 2006.

Castillo's production was compromised the last two years, as he missed 12 games with ankle and foot injuries.

That's why the Chargers' move carries a risk. Same goes for Castillo accepting the offer, as he could easily increase his market value if he stays healthy.

But Castillo has peace of mind, and to him that's worth a pretty penny.

"It gets to a point where guys are out there and you can't worry about those things when you do a deal,'' said Castillo, who had 39 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks last season. "Unless you're the top-paid guy, guys are going to pass you up and you don't worry about that. All you worry about is yourself as an individual, and as long as you are happy, you are good."

Rivers thinks Castillo will stay good.

"Guys like him, he won't change a bit,'' Rivers said. "What I mean is he wasn't playing hard to get a contract. He was playing hard for us, for his teammates, to win a championship. And all that does is allow him to do it a few more years."

A few more years with the Chargers.

"Today is a great day, but it is just the start of it,'' Castillo said. "There is so much I want to achieve on the field on an individual basis ---- goals of mine ---- but there is so much I want to help this team do: to be part of a Super Bowl in San Diego and to be here for a long, long time.''

Chargers notes

First round draft pick Antoine Cason remains the only unsigned Charger. The rookie cornerback missed his second practice on Tuesday. Ron Slavin, Cason's agent, reported no progress in the stalled negotiations. Chargers GM A.J. Smith declined to return a call. ... WR Eric Parker was also absent, as the Chargers are being rebuffed in their efforts to trade him. Parker's agent, Jack Bechta, said Parker expects to be released if a deal isn't made. ... Rookies and select veterans continue practicing Wednesday. The session is closed to the public. The first practice fans can attend at Chargers Park is Friday at 4 p.m., and it will feature the entire squad.

Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.