faba Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 Chargers' Neal, McCree, Olivea enter free-agent market Associated Press Updated: February 28, 2008, 5:35 PM ET Comment Email Print SAN DIEGO -- All-Pro fullback Lorenzo Neal was released Thursday by the San Diego Chargers, who also parted with safety Marlon McCree and right tackle Shane Olivea in the hours before free agency opened. Neal General manager A.J. Smith said all three requested their release so they can quickly jump into free agency. Olivea had four years left on his contract while McCree and Neal each had three years remaining. Olivea lost his starting job to Jeromy Clary midway through the season. McCree was released in part to allow safety Eric Weddle to move into the starting lineup. Neal's role was expected to decrease in 2008. Neal also was a Pro Bowler. McCree is probably best remembered for fumbling a fourth-down interception in the fourth quarter that gave the New England Patriots new life in a playoff win over the top-seeded Chargers after the 2006 season. Still, there could be a demand for his services. Smith also said kicker Dave Rayner, a restricted free agent, will not be tendered a contract. He was signed as a kickoff specialist after Nate Kaeding fractured his plant leg in a win over Denver on Dec. 24. Kaeding continued to kick field goals and PATs. The Chargers expect unrestricted free agents Michael Turner and Drayton Florence to get big money elsewhere. Turner is expected to get a starting job elsewhere after backing up LaDainian Tomlinson for three seasons. Smith shopped Turner last offseason but didn't get an offer he liked. So he kept the bruising back under a $2.35 million, one-year contract. The Chargers tried for three years to work out an extension with Florence, whose went from starter to nickel back after the emergence of Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie led the NFL with 10 interceptions and was named All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl. The Chargers said 11 players have either had surgery or are scheduled to. The three players scheduled to have surgery in the next few weeks were all chosen for the Pro Bowl. They are linebacker Shawne Merriman (knee), left tackle Marcus McNeill (shoulder) and defensive tackle Jamal Williams (knees). Williams pulled out of the Pro Bowl because of his injuries and McNeill, originally a second alternate, was added to the roster when two players pulled out. Smith declined to be specific about the nature of their injuries. Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates had surgery this week on his dislocated left big toe and is expected to have a rehab of four to six months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 Olivea ? I'll take him. He's still pretty young. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serphnx Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 Holy ****, Neal? We should get this guy, we could really use his blocking services. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 Holy ****, Neal? We should get this guy, we could really use his blocking services. There was rumors he was suppose to come here, but then again those are just rumors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faba Posted February 28, 2008 Author Share Posted February 28, 2008 We have been looking for a pure fullback for ages-even up in years neal would be the ideal guy for that role. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JETSFAN5180 Posted February 28, 2008 Share Posted February 28, 2008 FB???????? Whats that? We havent had a decent one in awhile and we let Jerald Sowell and Richie Anderson walk away. Neal would be a great goal line back we struggled from inside the 5 yd line all year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
124 Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 If we're going to actually use a Fullback in 2008 then there is no reason not to go hard after Lorenzo Neal. As for Shane Olivea, I would love to see the Jets bring him in any other year but this year. Not with the young Tackles the draft is stockpiled with, no thanks. But hey, if they do sign him, it certainly isn't a bad move. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbyjet69 Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 FB???????? Whats that? We havent had a decent one in awhile and we let Jerald Sowell and Richie Anderson walk away. Neal would be a great goal line back we struggled from inside the 5 yd line all year. Don't forget the other fb we let get away! Lorenzo Neal! DOUH!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KudosForND Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 i want all of them! lol Neal is amazing he is a big reason LT was LT i've been saying that for awhile now tomlinson will not have as good of a year next year i dont think Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroadwayJoe12 Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 i want all of them! lol Neal is amazing he is a big reason LT was LT i've been saying that for awhile now tomlinson will not have as good of a year next year i dont think Were you the one who said LT wouldn't be good without Neal a month or so ago?? I will say that Neal definately helped him, but in LTs first two years when neal wasn't there he averaged 1400+ yards, 12 tds and over 4 yards a carry. He obviously saw his production increase with more talent on the team and lorenzo neal blocking for him, but he is one of the best backs of all time; neal helps him, but doesn't make him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KudosForND Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 Were you the one who said LT wouldn't be good without Neal a month or so ago?? I will say that Neal definately helped him, but in LTs first two years when neal wasn't there he averaged 1400+ yards, 12 tds and over 4 yards a carry. He obviously saw his production increase with more talent on the team and lorenzo neal blocking for him, but he is one of the best backs of all time; neal helps him, but doesn't make him. No i just joined Jetnation a week ago and i never said that LT will be good witout neal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KudosForND Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 i dont think we will get neal He was a Jet in like 97 right? im not sure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JETSFAN5180 Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 Don't forget the other fb we let get away! Lorenzo Neal! DOUH!!!! Who was DOUH!!!! I missed the season he played for the Jets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Jet Posted February 29, 2008 Share Posted February 29, 2008 Who was DOUH!!!! I missed the season he played for the Jets. LOL, he meant that Lorenzo Neal once played for the Jets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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