Chargers Deal Lee to Bears

Defensive tackle Shawn Lee, whose performance has fallen off dramatically the last two years, was traded from the San Diego Chargers to the Chicago Bears on Monday for a fifth-round draft pick in 1999.

Lee had a career-high eight sacks in 1995, then signed a big contract. He had only one sack in 1996 and lost his starting job midway through the season. He started 15 games last season and had three sacks.

Charger General Manager Bobby Beathard said he couldn’t figure out why Lee’s level of play had subsided.

“He’s got talent and I would imagine if he thinks the change of scenery will do him good, then I think Chicago got a good player,” Beathard said.

“We’re happy to get a draft pick because once he had told his agent to shop him around, we’ve been unsuccessful in finding someone interested in giving anything,” Beathard said. “We’re happy in that respect, and not happy that we have to find somebody who can take his place.”

Dealing Lee frees up substantial room under the salary cap. Lee, whose contract runs through 2001, is scheduled to earn $1.45 million in base pay this year.