McNeill released; must re-sign Gaither

In a move that shouldn't shock anyone, the San Diego Chargers released left tackle Marcus McNeill today. By cutting him, the Chargers save about $6 million in cap money.

“They just had to make a business decision,” McNeill told U-T San Diego's Michael Gehlken. “With my neck situation, it was a decision they had to make. They did a great job of keeping me informed.”

McNeill suffered a season-ending neck injury during a game against the Oakland Raiders last November 10. He said he's 100 percent after undergoing fusion surgery last December 6, but the Chargers weren't confident that he could be relied on as a full-time starter at left tackle. McNeill did say he may return.

By releasing McNeill, it is imperative for San Diego to re-sign Jared Gaither, who started and performed like an elite player at left tackle over the last five games of the 2011 season.