Chandler Won’t Take Part in Chargers’ Minicamp; Trade Discussed

The Charger future of veteran wide receiver Wes Chandler is on hold.

Chandler will not participate in the three-day veteran minicamp that begins today at the team’s San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium practice facility.

Chandler, 31 and an 11-year veteran, was in San Diego Thursday. But Steve Ortmayer, director of football operations, said he had decided to not have Chandler take part in the workouts. Ortmayer said the Chargers are still engaged in trade talks with other teams regarding Chandler.

“We’re trying to work something out that’s best for Wes and best for the team,” Ortmayer said.

Chandler’s agent, Florida-based Bud Asher, has said that Chandler would be happy if he were traded to Tampa Bay, New Orleans or any West Coast team.

Asked if his decision to withhold Chandler from minicamp workouts meant that Chandler’s career with the Chargers was over, Ortmayer said, “No.”

Chandler has one year remaining on his contract.

The Chargers reported that the only player to fail his physical exam was defensive end Leslie O’Neal. And that was not a surprise. O’Neal still has not recovered fully from a 1986 knee injury. Free-agent linebacker Chip Banks is still unsigned but attended a team meeting Thursday night.