Chargers’ Luis Castillo agrees to five-year contract extension

San Diego defensive end Luis Castillo agreed to a five-year contract extension valued at about $43 million. The deal will pay Castillo a guaranteed $17.5 million in signing and roster bonuses.

“You know I am not usually short of words, but today is different,” Castillo said. “It’s an unbelievable feeling.”

Castillo’s contract, signed as a rookie in 2005, had been due to expire after the 2009 season. He said the Chargers approached him a few months ago about an extension.

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Seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Pace is close to returning from a shoulder injury but will not be cleared for full contact at the start of Rams training camp.

St. Louis Coach Scott Linehan said the team would be conservative with Pace, who tore the labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder in the 2007 season opener.

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Six-time Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher signed a one-year contract extension with the Chicago Bears on the eve of their first training camp practice. Reports say the deal is worth $18 million.

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The son of Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy Reid was sentenced to two years in a drug rehabilitation program.

Garrett Reid had pleaded guilty in May to trying to smuggle dozens of pills into the Montgomery County (Pa.) Jail.

Reid, 25, was serving time in the jail for a heroin-fueled car crash that injured a motorist.

From the Associated Press