Linebacker Shaun Phillips was handed his opportunity last season and made the most of it. Phillips jumped into his first full-time starting role that now appears his for the long-term. Today Phillips signed a new six-year contract with the Chargers that will keep him in San Diego through the 2012 season. The signing eliminates Phillips? opportunity of becoming a restricted free agent on March 2. ?Shaun is an integral part of our defense,? said General Manager A.J. Smith. ?He is a great pass rusher and last year he solidified his talents as an outstanding player against both the run and the pass. His play and his production speak for themselves. He made a lot of big plays for us last year that helped us win football games, and I?m excited to have the opportunity to watch him continue to do that over the years to come.?