San Diego, CA (My Sportsbook) - The San Diego Chargers signed linebacker Matt Wilhelm to a five-year contract extension Saturday. The deal will keep Wilhelm with the Chargers through the 2011 season. He was due to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season "I'm just glad we were able to get this done now," Wilhelm said. "I wanted to be here and the organization wanted me to be here. I know the defense and now that I've been in Wade Phillips' system for three years, I can go out there and do my job to the best of my ability. I'm still just 25 years old and would love to play my entire career in San Diego. I love being a part of this team. I didn't want to go anywhere else because I love playing with the group of guys we have here." Wilhelm, 6-4, 245, is in his fourth season with the Chargers after being drafted in the fourth round in 2003 out of Ohio State. He has played in all 30 games since 2005, recording 27 tackles this season. "Matt is one of this team's rising young defensive players," said general manager A.J. Smith. "He has played solid football when called upon at the inside 'backer position and has been very productive as a special teams player. We are pleased that we will have Matt with us for years to come."
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