San Diego Chargers Sign Stephen Cooper

September 28, 2006

The San Diego Chargers have signed former University of Maine linebacker Stephen Cooper to a five-year $15 million contract according to ESPN.com.

Cooper was set to play in 2006 under a one-year qualifying offer signed last spring worth about $1.6 million, but after that contract expired he would have been an unrestricted free agent, something the Chargers evidently decided they couldn’t risk.  Despite the fact that Cooper has only started in 4 games, he’s never missed a game in three seasons and in 48 appearances he has 97 tackles, 21 ½ sacks, one interception and one fumble recovery.

Signing young talent for long-term contracts seems to be a theme this year.  General Manager A.J. Smith has also orchestrated the signing of wide receiver Eric Parker, center Nick Hardwick and cornerback Quentin Jammer to contract extensions.

Tickets to see the next Charger’s game are available on the StubHub’s San Diego Chargers page:  San Diego Chargers Tickets


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September 28, 2006