Talks sour with sixth-round pick

By Kevin Acee

What was supposed to be simple and even seemed imminent is now stalled.

Kevin Ellison, the Chargers' sixth-round pick, is not in camp and may not be for a while.

According to sources, the sides differ on contract length and both appear firm in their position.

The Chargers have offered a four-year deal commensurate with the contracts signed by the picks directly preceding and following Ellison. Those pacts were for four years and $1.85 million with signing bonuses of $101,750 and $100,600.

Ellison, one of four sixth-rounders who remain unsigned, is asking for three years with a smaller signing bonus.

Two other fourth-rounders got three-year deals.

Sources also confirmed that Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith spoke Tuesday with Jerome Stanley, Ellison's agent.

Smith rarely speaks with agents, leaving negotiations to Vice President Ed McGuire. When Smith inserts himself in such situations, there is definitely an impasse. Smith doesn't deal in niceties, especially with agents.

Head coach Norv Turner has called Ellison's absence disappointing and even said he hopes the rookie doesn't fall so far behind as to jeopardize his making the roster.

While that scenario is not likely, Ellison has lost valuable lead-in reps in preparation for his battle for playing time with Clinton Hart and Steve Gregory at strong safety.

Provided Ellison is in camp by Friday, when veterans report, the high football intelligence he showed in coaching sessions should allow him to make that up.


McNeill back

Marcus McNeill was on the field Tuesday for the first time since January's playoff game at Pittsburgh.

The big left tackle, who underwent neck surgery in February, is finally rid of the giant protective collar he wore last year.

You won't ever see it again, McNeill said. I burned it already.

McNeill, a Pro Bowler his first two seasons, was injured last August, missed the first two games and was never quite at full strength.

When you have an injury you're playing with you are always aware of it when you're out playing, McNeill said. You don't want to hurt yourself more than you are. Having the surgery really boosted my confidence, knowing I can be out there and be healthy.


Right guard battle

Rookie Louis Vasquez has impressed coaches with his athleticism and his smarts, enough that he is a serious candidate to replace the departed Mike Goff at right guard.

Once veterans report, Vasquez and Kynan Forney will wage what is expected to be the fiercest battle of camp.

I expect to start this year, Vasquez said. Just my work ethic and expectations, that's what I expect.

While Forney will begin camp working with the first team, Turner is adamant Vasquez will challenge the eight-year vet.

Said Turner: He has a chance to become a guy who is a very good athlete who is also going to be a physically dominating player.


English stalemate

The Larry English negotiations are going well, but slow.

Both sides are content to wait to see how some more first-round picks shake out. As of Tuesday night, just five first-round picks had signed.

It is generally accepted that neither side in these contract negotiations wants to make what is later deemed a foolish deal.

UT

LMAO! If I knew that the only player I had to unseat was Hart, I'd hold out for 1st round money!

JK - I expect Hart to bounce back from that disappointing 2008 season. Dammit! I really hope Ellison gets his sh!t together before he falls too far behind in camp. I don't think the Chargers will be able to release him with the idea of resigning him to the practice squad, some other team will sign him right off the wire. If he falls too far back, I think Ellison suffers one of those nebulous mystery injuries that lands him on IR for the season

Agree with most, who cares if he sits out? Will he really be better than Hart if he starts? I'd rather have Hart out there anyway. With Merriman and English in this year there will be more pressure than you can handle making the secondary look much better anyway.