Chargers, Luis Castillo Agree On Contract Extension

Luis Castillo was driving to San Diego Chargers Park this morning to sign a five-year contract extension, pondering how it will change his life on and off the field.

“It really hasn’t sunk in,” said Castillo, who will make $18 million in guaranteed money and could realize $43 million in new money over the life of the deal.

“It’s something you know is coming, something you work for. When you think I’m committed to a town and a team for 10 years of my career, it’s an unvbelievable feeling. It solidifies my place in this town and on the field. It’s also a huge sense of responsibility.”

Castillo has been plagued by ankle injuries the past two years, limiting him to 10 starts last season and nine in 2007. But those injuries are likely the only things to have stopped him from compiling Pro Bowl numbers.

At almost 300 pounds, Castillo possesses a rare quickness, and the Chargers see him as one of the league’s top ends for many years. He has 13 sacks in 34 starts in his three NFL seasons.

The Chargers will announce the signing at an afternoon press conference.

Castillo does not take lightly becoming one of the highest-paid defensive ends in the league.

“This is just the start,” he said. “There is so much I want to accomplish on a personal level and so much I want to help this team do.

“This takes a lot of pressure off in a certain sense. It’s not about going out there and having it in the back of your mind trying to stay healthy. It’s about having fun and playing at a high level.”

- Kevin Acee, San Diego Union Tribune