The San Diego Chargers have released left tackle Marcus McNeill and cornerback Dante Hughes.
McNeill injured his neck in the Chargers' Nov. 10 against Oakland and went on the “Reserve-Injured” list three weeks later. A Pro Bowl selection following the 2006-07 seasons, McNeill started just 20 of 36 games at left tackle over the last two seasons. The Chargers have not ruled out the possibility of re-signing McNeill.
Hughes played all 16 games as the Chargers' nickel back in 2011 and played 12 games for the Bolts in 2010.
The Chargers also waived linebackers Everette Brown and Nate Triplett, and wide receiver Bryan Walters.
The Chargers tendered contract offers to restricted free agent Brandyn Dombrowski and exclusive rights free agents Richard Goodman and Mike Windt, maintaining negotiating rights with the three players. Should Dombrowski receive a contract offer from another team, the Chargers will have a chance to match the offer. As exclusive rights free agents, Goodman and Windt cannot sign with another team.
The following veteran players' contracts have expired and they will become unrestricted free agents at of 1:00 p.m. PT today. The list includes linebackers Stephen Cooper and Na'il Diggs, wide receivers Vincent Jackson and Patrick Crayton, tackle Jared Gaither, defensive tackle Antonio Garay, center Nick Hardwick, defensive end Tommie Harris, fullback Jacob Hester, tight ends Randy McMichael and Kory Sperry, guard Tony Moll, center Scott Mruczkowski, safeties Paul Oliver, Bob Sanders and Steve Gregory, and running back Mike Tolbert.
