Filed under: Chargers, NFL Free AgencyChargers left tackle Marcus McNeill held out for the first two weeks of the season because he wanted a long-term contract extension. But in the end, he got what he wanted by showing up.
On Wednesday, McNeill signed a new five-year deal worth up to $48 million. According to the North County Times, $24 million is guaranteed.
By locking up McNeill, San Diego has lined up a key part of its offense. McNeill had missed the first two games of the season as he held out to protest the tender offer he received as a restricted free agent. Even after he reported, he had to miss three more games (without pay) because the Chargers had suspended him for failing to report. He will make his 2010 debut this weekend, which is none too soon for San Diego. His replacement, Brandyn Dombrowski has been shown to be over his head -- he's given up 4.5 sacks in the Chargers' first five games.
McNeill is a two-time Pro Bowler (2006 and 2007), but he has struggled to match that production in more recent years. He is not considered in the same class as fellow AFC left tackles Joe Thomas and Jake Long, but he is considered above average for the position.
Now that the deal has been agreed to, the fair question to ask is why it couldn't have been worked out five weeks ago. McNeill's absence is one of the reasons the Chargers are currently 2-3, in a three-way tie for second in the AFC West.
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