2012 could be the last season with the San Diego Chargers for Quentin Jammer and Shaun Phillips

Published: 25^th Jul 12 12:49 pm

by Kenny Gardner
San Diego Chargers

RANT It!

Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

Quentin Jammer and Shaun Phillips are entering the final year of their contracts with the San Diego Chargers. Jammer and Phillips are owed $4.4 million and about $5.7 million respectively for the 2012 season. Jammer is coming off of a disappointing 2011 season at cornerback in which he allowed almost 11 yards per pass attempt when quarterbacks threw in his direction as well as six touchdown passes. Jammer allowed an average of 7.2 yards per attempt from 2006-2010. Phillips had at least seven sacks every season from 2005-2010 and led the team in sacks from 2008-2010, but battled a foot injury, missed four games in 2011 and had 3.5 sacks in 12 games, so he was on pace for about five sacks if he played in all 16 games.

San Diego could bring them back after the season, but their contracts will have to be for less money. Ryan Mathews is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2014 season. Mathews got a $3 million signing bonus when he signed his contract to enter the NFL. Mathews is owed $2.7 million in 2012, $3.2 million in 2013 and $3.5 million in the final year of his deal. This may be a major reason why the front office decided to let Vincent Jackson sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers even though he led the team in receiving yards and TD receptions in 2009 and 2011. San Diego is about $3 million under the cap for the 2012 season.

Mathews has the chance to be one of the best running backs for the future. He was 10th in the NFL with 1,091 rushing yards last season and no one in the top 10 in rushing yards had more yards per attempt. Former Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Antwan Barnes is entering the final year of his deal with San Diego as well. Barnes was tied for 11th in the league with 11 sacks last season.

San Diego’s 2012 first round pick Melvin Ingram be an outside linebacker which is the same position as Barnes and Phillips though he may also play on the defensive line and the team committed a four year $19 million deal to OLB Jarret Johnson during the off-season. Starting CB Antoine Cason is entering the final year of his deal. It will be interesting to see who stays with the Chargers long term.