SUPERCHARGERS: Spurned by Florence, Bolts entertain Burnett, Phillips

Spurned by Florence, Bolts entertain Burnett, Phillips
By Kevin Acee
Tuesday, March 3, 2009

The Chargers are scheduled to host inside linebacker Kevin Burnett today after strong safety Jermaine Phillips visited the team Tuesday.

These are the team's first two forays into this year's free agent market.

The Chargers did not reacquire cornerback Drayton Florence, who had expressed interest in playing in San Diego again before signing with the Buffalo Bills yesterday.

“We never wanted Drayton to leave in the first place,” Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith said. “We tried to sign him to an extended contract (for) three years before he left, but to no avail. After his release from Jacksonville, we were interested in his return but could not agree on terms, and also we could not say the 'magic words,' which he wanted to hear – starter for the Chargers.”

Florence signed a two-year deal worth a potential $6.6 million.

Also Tuesday, after previously declining to comment, Smith said cornerback Antonio Cromartie will remain a Charger in 2009.

“He's not being traded,” Smith said.

League sources said the team was quietly floating the idea of shopping Cromartie if it was able to sign Florence.

Florence, who played for the Chargers from 2003-07, was being pursued for depth.

Burnett and Phillips could be starters in a defense that has a few holes.

Phillips, who will turn 30 this month and has a history of injuries, is considered one of the top free agent safeties.

A fifth-round draft pick by Tampa Bay in 2002, he became the Buccaneers'starter during the 2003 season but has started every game in a season just once. He suffered two broken arms last season and started just 11 games. He also missed one start in 2007, three in 2005 and six in 2004.

The Buccaneers are reportedly still trying to re-sign Phillips (6-foot-2, 220 pounds).

Burnett, 26, visited Oakland yesterday and was due to arrive in San Diego last night.

The Dallas Cowboys' second-round pick in 2005, Burnett (6-3, 242) has started four games in his career.