The Chargers have agreed to terms with linebacker Stephen Cooper on a one-year contract.
Cooper, 31, played the last eight seasons with the Chargers and started 11 of 12 games played last year.
"We are happy Coop decided to return to the Chargers," general manager A.J. Smith said in a statement.
"He wanted to explore the free agent market and weigh his options. He will bring his experience and more veteran leadership to our linebacker corps."
March 2011 - Los Angeles Chargers Wiretap
Floyd Sticking With San Diego
The Chargers have reached an agreement with wide receiver Malcolm Floyd on a two-year deal, according to a source.
Floyd was being courted by several teams, with the Ravens, Cardinals, 49ers, Panthers and Raiders among the teams who had expressed some level of interest at one point or another.
Chargers, Corey Liuget Agree To Four-Year Deal
The Chargers’ front office and coaching staff smiled when Illinois defensive lineman Corey Liuget remained available at No. 18 overall in April’s draft. Now they’ll get to see him put on a Chargers uniform following the agreement to a four-year contract Thursday morning.
“We’re very happy that Corey’s contract is done. It’s time to go to work,” GM A.J. Smith said.
The Chargers envision his 6-foot-2, 300-pound body lining up at defensive end and competing for starting position.
Liuget made 12.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hurries as a junior, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors.
Five Teams In Running For Umenyiora
Five teams are in the race to acquire defensive end Osi Umenyiora from the Giants, according to a report by The New York Daily News.
Several league sources said the Ravens, Broncos, Chargers, Rams and Seahawks have shown interest either to the Giants or Umenyiora's agent, Tony Agnone.
However, the combination of New York's asking price (a first-round pick) and Umenyiora's demand for a new contract has dissuaded all from making a deal thus far.
Chargers Place Gates On PUP List
The Chargers have placed tight end Antonio Gates on the physically-unable-to-perform list, which allows him to do rehab work and take part in team meetings but not practice, according to an ESPN.com report on Monday.
Gates has plantar fasciitis in his right foot. He has done sprints and agility work on a side field since training camp opened Thursday.