Chargers : Veteran Linebacker Mike Douglass Is Acquired for $150,000

The Chargers, still seeking a proven inside linebacker, signed proven outside linebacker Mike Douglass to a one-year contract Sunday.

Douglass, a nine-year veteran from San Diego State, was released by Green Bay before training camp. The Packers would have paid him $425,000 if he had made their roster this year.

The Chargers signed Douglass for a base salary of $150,000, plus incentives.

“I believe in incentives,” Douglass said. “It’s not a situation where people can say, ‘Look what they’re giving to him.’ Everything I get, I’ll earn.”

Douglass said he had inquiries from at least four other teams. Kansas City was the only team aside from San Diego to give him a workout.

An El Cajon resident, Douglass said he has lived in the San Diego area since 1976, when he enrolled at SDSU.

“I told my agent (Roy Bell) to shut down the other teams and concentrate on the Chargers,” Douglass said. “Once I left Green Bay, I didn’t want to pack up and move anymore. Rather than go somewhere else, I considered retiring. I hoped the situation would work out to where I wouldn’t have to make that decision.”

The Chargers plan to utilize him primarily in long-yardage situations.

“I think he’s a good (pass) coverage and blitzing type of linebacker,” said Mike Haluchak, Charger linebacker coach. “He could be very effective in special situations--passing situations and that type of thing. When we worked him out, he showed a knack for covering backs.”

Offensive tackle James FitzPatrick and defensive end Earl Wilson are not in good graces at present.

FitzPatrick, a first-round draft choice who signed Friday, appeared to be a step behind on plays during his first practice Sunday.

“I’m not being critical, it’s just a shame he hasn’t been working out here with us,” Coach Don Coryell said. “He’s behind our other offensive linemen. I’m sure he worked out at home. It’s not like working out here. He has to increase his strength and stamina.”

Meanwhile, Wilson needs to decrease his weight or it is going to continue costing him money.

The Chargers asked Wilson to report at 275 pounds, but he reported at 285. Gunther Cunningham, defensive line coach, said Wilson is being fined $25 per pound per day for every pound he is above 275. His first-day fine: $250.

Coryell praised wide receiver Wes Chandler, saying Chandler “looked awfully good” during practice.

Running back Doug Jefferson of Stephen F. Austin left camp Sunday.

The only player missing from camp is first-round pick Leslie O’Neal, who is unsigned.