Chargers GM A.J. Smith may be called the “Lord of No Rings,” but he caused left tackle Marcus McNeill to blink. The two-time Pro Bowler decided to sign his $630,000 tender and report to the team Saturday.
McNeill was seeking a long-term deal with the Chargers and even turned down a $3.168 million tender earlier in the off-season. Because he did not sign, the offer was reduced to that $630k figure. He’ll be forced to sit out three games because he was placed on the roster exempt list but he still should be ready for the week six game at St. Louis.
Between McNeill and fellow holdout, wide receiver Vincent Jackson, it was always thought that the left tackle was closer to agreeing on a deal and playing for the team. However, as recently as this week, Chargers reporter Kevin Acee said he did not expect either player to play for the team the entire year. Apparently that all changed as McNeill decided he wanted to play football and make some money, even it’s much less than what he wanted.
Now that he is with the team, perhaps GM A.J. Smith will be more open to offering the left tackle a long-term deal. McNeill will likely have to show he’s back to top form before a new deal can be reached.
