Chargers give DE Castillo $43 million extension

By Neal Coolong  |   Tuesday, July 22, 2008  |  Comments( 6 )

San Diego Chargers
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!

San Diego signed veteran defensive end Luis Castillo a five-year, $43.1 million extension Tuesday, keeping him with the Chargers through 2014.

Castillo, the 28th pick in the 2005 draft, will receive $17.1 million guaranteed.

Commentary: The argument can be made that it's Castillo, not teammate Shawne Merriman, who is the most valuable member of the Chargers' defense. Castillo was slowed by an ankle injury last season, the same issue that forced him to leave in the middle of a game at Minnesota -- when rookie running back Adrian Peterson accrued an NFL-record 296 ground yards. The vast majority of those yards came after Castillo left the game.

Fantasy Impact: When Castillo is healthy, the Chargers are one of the top three defensive units in the league. His ability to penetrate and tie up blockers shuts down opposing running games.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (6)

About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one ...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report