Chargers extend Smith

The San Diego Chargers have given General Manager A.J. Smith a five-year contract extension. Smith spent two seasons as the Chargers’ Assistant General Manager and Director of Pro Personnel and then was promoted to General Manager in 2003. 

Under Smith,  the Chargers have drafted Pro Bowl players linebacker Shawne Merriman, quarterback Philip Rivers, cornerback Antonio Cromartie, center Nick Hardwick, tackle Marcus McNeill and kicker Nate Kaeding. 

The team also added three undrafted free agents who became Pro Bowl players: tight end Antonio Gates, guard Kris Dielman and special teamer Kassim Osgood.

Possibly the biggest impact Smith had was drafting quarterback Eli Manning with the first overall pick in 2004 and then trading him to the New York Giants for Rivers and draft picks that would be used to select Merriman and Kaeding.

Smith’s previous contract was scheduled to expire following the 2009 season.  The new deal runs through the 2014 season. 

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