L.T. signs 3-year deal with the Chargers!

Tomlinson will be a Charger for three more years after signing a contract extension this morning.

In addition to not taking a pay cut in 2009, Tomlinson receives an unspecified guaranteed amount of money in 2010, the source said. The amount might not be large enough to guarantee Tomlinson can't be cut next year, but it gives him some security for the 2010 season.

A trade off, Tomlinson reduced his salaries in 2010 and 2011. He was scheduled to make $8 million next year and $9.275 million in 2011. The final three years of his old contract was worth $24 million over three years.

"This is a good day for the Chargers and for Chargers fans," owner Dean Spanos said. "It was important for me to get this done so L.T. could continue his career here in San Diego where he means so much to our team, our fans and our community. The alternative was just unthinkable. He belongs in San Diego."

Tomlinson said, "I love San Diego and being a part of this team with my teammates. My No. 1 priority was to stay here in San Diego. I truly believe this is the place that gives me the best chance to be successful and win a championship. I want to finish the job we started when I got here eight years ago. My heart has always been in San Diego. I couldn't imagine putting on another uniform.

"I really appreciate the role Dean played throughout this process. He made it work for everyone and I appreciate his friendship more than he knows."

Tomlinson was slowed during the regular season with a toe injury, then hurt his groin in the season finale. He was forced out of an overtime playoff win against the Indianapolis Colts and sat out against the Steelers, the first game he'd missed due to injury in his brilliant eight-year career.

It was the second straight year his postseason was cut short by injury. That, coupled with the fact Tomlinson turns 30 this summer, raised questions about how long he would be a Charger. The team said it needed salary cap relief in order to sign other players to contract extensions, and it zeroed in on Tomlinson's deal.