San Diego Chargers Get a Visitor: Marcus McNeill Meets With A.J. Smith

In what could only be classified as a stunning turn of events, San Diego Chargers offensive left tackle Marcus McNeill was at Chargers Park on Wednesday to speak with Chargers general manager A.J. Smith, however no deal was reached.

McNeill, a two-time Pro Bowler, had requested the meeting with Smith so that both parties could get concise picture of the situation, and to know exactly where each other stands regarding his contract. However, neither Smith, nor McNeill's agent, Alvin Keels would confrim the meeting ever took place.

Smith taking his normal stance on the labor dispute had this to say,

“I wish you would listen to me,” when asked about the meeting with McNeill. “As I’ve said before, I’m done talking about Marcus McNeill until he returns. If he does return, I would be more than happy to talk about him.”

Word had spread throughout the Chargers training facility that McNeill was in fact there. His car was parked in front of the building, then he went upstairs to speak with Smith alone.

A few teammates have remained in contact with McNeill, and some were hoping that the meeting between the two would create some headway in resolving the matter.

McNeill, confirmed that he was in "lock-step" with his agent, and would maintain vigil of his season long holdout if he wasn't granted a long-term contract extentsion.

The Chargers sent letters to McNeill, and fellow holdout, wide receiver Vincent Jackson last week informing them that they would be placed on the Roster-Exempt List had they not signed their one-year Unrestricted Free Agent tenders by August 20.

If placed on the Roster-Exempt List by the Chargers, McNeill and Jackson would have to sit-out a minimum of three games before being eligible to play.

Many speculate that McNeill and Jackson would return no later than Week 10, in order to accrue the minimum six games required for a full season towards free agency.

McNeill's tender is currently worth $630,000, had he signed it by the imposed deadline A.J. Smith had set back on June 15, he would have made $3.168 million for the 2010 season. That results in a loss of $2.5 million over the season.

According to Chargers head coach Norv Turner, Brandyn Dombrowski will get the start against the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday after back-up Tyronne Green, who had been taking all the first-team snaps on Tuesday, sat out of practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury.