Luis Castillo Signs 7-Year Extension

The Chargers signed former first-round pick Luis Castillo to a seven-year contract extension on Tuesday. The new deal will keep him donning lightning bolts through 2014. Castillo was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2009 season.

Luis Castillo's new deal continues the Chargers' trend of locking up core players before they hit the open market. Castillo joins Billy Volek, Cory Withrow, Clinton Hart and David Binn as players who've received new multi-year contracts from the Chargers this off-season.

"Since his arrival, Luis has been played a huge role in the success we've had as a defense," Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith said. "He's an ascending player who is committed to getting better. We're thrilled that he'll be a Charger for years to come."

For this three-year career, Castillo has totaled 119 tackles and 13 sacks. The one concern has been health, as he missed six games each of the last two seasons due to ankle injuries. However, Castillo is healthy now and eager to start all 16 games for the first time in his career.

Click here to read NFL Insider Adam Caplan's take on which players the Chargers will lock up next and which ones might get away.