SAN DIEGO - Chris Chambers woke up Tuesday morning as an employee of the Miami Dolphins, with no idea that he was about to be leaving a winless team and joining one tied for first place.

He was stunned when Dolphins coach Cam Cameron called to inform him that he had been traded to the Chargers.

But as the day wore on, Chambers quickly recognized his good fortune. The seven-year veteran receiver expressed excitement over the unexpected change of scenery after the Chargers acquired his services for a second-round pick in the 2008 NFL draft.

"Every minute, every second I'm starting to understand the transition. It's really a great opportunity for me," Chambers said during a quickly arranged conference call with San Diego reporters. "All I've known is the Miami Dolphins the past seven years. There were some rumors earlier before training camp that some stuff may happen, so I knew right then and there to be prepared if something does and I feel like I am.

"I'm ready to move on and get a fresh start to my career. I feel like I have a lot to offer and I haven't maximized my ability yet."

General manager A.J. Smith was thrilled after bolstering the Chargers' wide receiver position by adding a player who was a Pro Bowler just two seasons ago, when Chambers caught 82 passes for 1,118 yards and 11 touchdowns.

"We had an opportunity to add an experienced, productive receiver and we couldn't pass it up," Smith said. "It was a steep price -- a second-rounder -- but I felt he was worth it. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do to help us."

Chambers, 29, has caught 31 receptions for 415 yards this season. The Chargers' wide receivers have caught just 36 passes as a group, led by Vincent Jackson's 20.

The Chargers placed receiver Eric Parker on injured reserve to make room for Chambers on the 53-man roster. Parker hasn't played a down this season after toe surgery in August.

However, Smith said Parker's situation had little to do with the acquisition of Chambers. He termed it a "late development" that arose and expressed that he has long had a fondness for Chambers' talents.

Head coach Norv Turner has first-hand knowledge of what Chambers can do after serving as Miami's offensive coordinator from 2002-03, Chambers' second and third NFL seasons. Chambers caught 116 passes over those two years.

Turner offered a glowing endorsement when Smith approached him for insights.

"I was with Chris for two years and he wanted to know my feelings about Chris and how he'd fit and all those things," Turner said. "It's just the right thing for this team right now. The biggest thing is it's not a reflection on our receivers. Our receivers are going good and they're going to make a lot of plays for us.

"The biggest thing is with Eric's situation, and I alluded to it on Monday that we were having tests done and I was concerned about where Eric would be. The timeframe just wasn't going to work for Eric. It was going to be too long and he wasn't going to be able to be a part of what we're trying to get done."

Because Miami was using a similar system under Cameron and because of his familiarity with Turner, the 5-foot-11, 210-pound Chambers envisions a short learning curve. He was flying to San Diego on Tuesday night and might even participate in today's practice.

"I don't think it's going to be much of a transition, maybe a few words here and there," said Chambers, a second-round pick in 2001 out of Wisconsin. "All the routes are the same and everybody runs the same routes. They may be called a little bit different but for the most part, I spent two years with Norv and I felt like that second year, I was really getting some of the stuff he wanted to do.

"I can pretty much step into that huddle and pretty much know everything that is going on right now."

Chambers ranks fifth in Dolphins history with 405 career receptions and fourth in receiving yardage (5,688) and touchdowns (43).

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson and quarterback Philip Rivers both applauded the trade.

Tomlinson played with Chambers in the Pro Bowl, and said his talents and easygoing nature makes him a good fit for the team. Rivers was thrilled to gain another productive receiving target.

"Any time you can add a player of his caliber, as a quarterback you love it," Rivers said. "I'm excited about it because of his experience and he's played at a high level in this league. He's not just an experienced receiver, but he's been a big-time receiver in this league for a while now."

Chambers is signed through 2009, and his base salary for this season is $5.4 million. He's due to make $5.1 million in 2008 and $4.55 million in 2009.

In July, Chambers was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and speeding in Charlotte, N.C. It was later revealed that his measured blood-alcohol level was .06, below the legal limit of .08.

Late last month, the DWI and reckless driving charges were dropped as part of a plea bargain in which Chambers pled guilty to speeding.

"We're aware of it," Smith said. "If it was a major problem, he'd still be in Miami."

Instead, Chambers will be playing in San Diego, and that is a development he welcomes with the way the season has been going for the 0-6 Dolphins.

"It's been a couple tough years for me," Chambers said. "Three of the last four years, we started off this way, and you basically get sick and tired of it. From that standpoint, I'm coming to a great team with a lot of great players and guys who know how to win."

- Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.

CHRIS CHAMBERS

Size: 5-foot-11, 210 pounds - Experience: Seventh NFL season

College: Wisconsin

Age: 29

Contract: Signed through 2009

Year-by-year statistics with Miami

-Year-Games-Catches-Yards-Avg.-TD

2001-16-48-883-18.4-7

2002-15-52-734-14.1-3

2003-16-64-963-15.0-11

2004-15-69-898-13.0-7

2005-16-82-1,118-13.6-11

2006-16-59-677-11.5-4

2007-6-31-415-13.4-0

Career-100-405-5.688-14.0-43

Accomplishments

* Holds Miami record for receptions in a game with 15

* Holds Miami record for receiving yardage in a game with 238

* Ranks third in Miami history for receptions (82) in a single season

* Ranks fourth in Miami history in career receiving yards

* Ranks fourth in Miami history in career receiving touchdowns

* Ranks fifth in Miami history in career receptions

* Played in Pro Bowl following 2005 season