He's one of their best defenders so I like the move by the Chargers.
Continuing their focus on securing their young nucleus of players with long-term deals, the San Diego Chargers late Tuesday night reached agreement with standout cornerback Quentin Jammer on a five-year contract extension.
Combined with the two seasons that Jammer had remaining on the original six-year contract he signed as a rookie in 2002, the extension means that the former first-round pick is under contract through 2012. Financial details of the extension, which will be officially executed later this week, were not yet immediately available.
"Quentin is a major part of our defense," general manager A.J. Smith said in a statement released by the team. "He gets better every year. It's exciting to know he will continue to be a Charger. He's a true pro. He works year-round and has a great work ethic. He's tough and physical. He's a terrific run supporter and cover guy. The best is yet to come."
Jammer, 27, is the latest young San Diego starter to sign an extension since the end of the 2005. Under Smith, the team has made keeping its best young players a major priority. Jammer was a player San Diego officials publicly identified as a priority to retain for the long-term success of the franchise.
The former University of Texas star was the fifth overall player selected in the 2002 draft, widely acknowledged that year as the lottery's best cover defender. There have been times when Jammer struggled in coverage, and the skeptics questioned his awareness and suggested he might be better suited to playing safety at the NFL level, but the Chargers' brass maintained faith in him.
That faith was rewarded in 2005 when Jammer turned in what was arguably his best and most consistent season. Although he notched just one interception in 16 starts, Jammer registered career highs in tackles (72) and passes defensed (19) and played with more confidence.
A big, physical cornerback (6-feet-0, 204 pounds), Jammer has the strength to redirect wide receivers and the speed to run with them upfield. Jammer has started every game for the Chargers since 2003 and most pro scouts around the league feel he's ready to emerge as one of the NFL's best players at his position.
In 62 regular-season appearances, Jammer has 304 tackles, six interceptions, 45 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one recovery.
"It's a huge relief," Jammer said of his extension. "Ever since the Chargers drafted me, I've said that I want to play my whole career in San Diego. This contract will go a long way toward that, and I'm thankful."
Combined with the two seasons that Jammer had remaining on the original six-year contract he signed as a rookie in 2002, the extension means that the former first-round pick is under contract through 2012. Financial details of the extension, which will be officially executed later this week, were not yet immediately available.
"Quentin is a major part of our defense," general manager A.J. Smith said in a statement released by the team. "He gets better every year. It's exciting to know he will continue to be a Charger. He's a true pro. He works year-round and has a great work ethic. He's tough and physical. He's a terrific run supporter and cover guy. The best is yet to come."
Jammer, 27, is the latest young San Diego starter to sign an extension since the end of the 2005. Under Smith, the team has made keeping its best young players a major priority. Jammer was a player San Diego officials publicly identified as a priority to retain for the long-term success of the franchise.
The former University of Texas star was the fifth overall player selected in the 2002 draft, widely acknowledged that year as the lottery's best cover defender. There have been times when Jammer struggled in coverage, and the skeptics questioned his awareness and suggested he might be better suited to playing safety at the NFL level, but the Chargers' brass maintained faith in him.
That faith was rewarded in 2005 when Jammer turned in what was arguably his best and most consistent season. Although he notched just one interception in 16 starts, Jammer registered career highs in tackles (72) and passes defensed (19) and played with more confidence.
A big, physical cornerback (6-feet-0, 204 pounds), Jammer has the strength to redirect wide receivers and the speed to run with them upfield. Jammer has started every game for the Chargers since 2003 and most pro scouts around the league feel he's ready to emerge as one of the NFL's best players at his position.
In 62 regular-season appearances, Jammer has 304 tackles, six interceptions, 45 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one recovery.
"It's a huge relief," Jammer said of his extension. "Ever since the Chargers drafted me, I've said that I want to play my whole career in San Diego. This contract will go a long way toward that, and I'm thankful."