Luis Castillo has 13 sacks over three seasons with the San Diego Chargers. (Dennis Poroy/Associated Press)The San Diego Chargers on Tuesday announced a contract extension for one of the pillars of their defence, end Luis Castillo.
Castillo, who had two years left on his rookie contract, was given a new deal that will extend through the end of the 2014 season. While the club did not release financial details, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported it to be a $43-million US deal, with $18 million in guaranteed money.
“Since his arrival, Luis has played a huge role in the success we’ve had as a defence,” Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said in a statement. “He’s an ascending player who is committed to getting better. We’re thrilled that he’ll be a Charger for years to come.”
Castillo has recorded 13 sacks and 119 tackles in three seasons with San Diego. Foot and ankle injuries have reduced him to 19 games in total over the past two campaigns.
The six-foot-four, 290-pound defensive end recorded two sacks and six tackles in three playoff games as the Chargers advanced to the AFC Championship last season.
San Diego selected former defensive rookie of the year Shawne Merriman and Castillo in the first round of the 2005 draft. Castillo fell to the 28th spot in the draft after playing at Northwestern University only after concerns among teams over a positive steroid test.
Born in Garfield, N.J., he is the first player of Dominican Republic descent to play in the NFL.
