Charger Notebook : Spencer Signs for One Year; Seven Remain Unsigned

As Steve Ortmayer, the Chargers director of football operations, put it: “So, I guess we’re down to seven.”

The Chargers signed running back Tim Spencer to a one-year contract Friday, the first day veterans were required to report to the team’s training camp at UC San Diego.

That leaves seven unsigned players. The absentees: linebacker Chip Banks, nose tackles Mike Charles and Chuck Ehin, defensive ends Lee Williams and Joe Phillips and running back Curtis Adams.

Ortmayer said he is close to reaching agreement with agents for Ehin, Adams and Benson. With Williams, Charles and Phillips, he said there is more work to be done.

As for Banks, his agent and Ortmayer say agreement has been reached on a five-year deal, but Banks has not signed and recently asked for a reporting bonus--perhaps as much as $300,000, according to one report.

“I’m listening to it,” Ortmayer said. “Am I willing to do anything about it at this point? No.”

The signing of Spencer to a one-year contract came with the provision that an extension will be negotiated soon.

“I think it’s very good faith on both sides,” Ortmayer said.

“I signed a one-year deal basically to get in camp so I can get to work,” said Spencer, who rushed for 228 yards on 73 carries last year. “I would have liked to have a deal finished, but it just didn’t work out that way. So, we did the one-year deal, and we’ll work on the rest of it. I just didn’t want to miss any training camp.”

Spencer, beginning his fourth season with the Chargers, said he hopes to sign a two- or three-year package within a week or so.

Coach Al Saunders said he obviously would like the unsigned veterans to report as soon as possible.

“But there is a business side to this, and I understand that, and individuals have to work out their business arrangements before they report to work.”

Because the seven unsigned Chargers are free agents, the team cannot levy fines.

Three other veterans, Kellen Winslow, Jim Lachey and Elvis Patterson, did not report for personal reasons. Each was excused by Saunders until today or Sunday.

Ortmayer said the Chargers plan to sign two more players: Kevin House, a wide receiver formerly with the Bucs and Rams, and Dan Sharp, a tight end who spent some time with Atlanta.

Four free-agent defensive backs were released Friday morning: Ron Foster, Charles Glaze, Kevin Williams and Mike Hudson.

Quarterback Mark VanAllen, who was in camp only to provide an extra arm, left on his own.

The sum total of the parts: 108 players on the roster, 98 present and accounted for.

Rookies, free agents and selected veterans put in a light workout Friday morning.

This morning, players will take physicals and be tested for strength and conditioning. NFL drug-testing also is on the agenda.

A two-hour workout with the entire team--minus those missing in action--is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

Ortmayer supplied the quote of the day. Asked if he knew of Banks’ whereabouts, he said no, and added: “I’m sure Chip is somewhere. Everybody’s gotta be somewhere.”

According to Ortmayer, Charles, who did not take part in drills during the team’s May minicamp because of a knee injury, should be able to practice when he signs.

“Our doctors think he’s progressing well,” Ortmayer said. “Our doctors feel he’ll be ready.”