San Diego Chargers offensive tackle Tra Thomas, a 12-year NFL veteran brought in as insurance against Marcus McNeill's holdout, retired Saturday.
Thomas had arthroscopic knee surgery Aug. 3 and originally was going to be out for about two weeks, *The San Diego Union-Tribune* reported at the time. Thomas, 35, joined the Chargers following 11 seasons and three Pro Bowls with the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent 2009 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, playing in eight games.
Thomas was a first-round draft pick of the Eagles in 1998, and he went to the Pro Bowl after the 2001, '02 and '04 seasons. He played in five NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl with the Eagles.
Chargers general manager A.J. Smith didn't return a call seeking comment Saturday.
McNeill, unhappy about being tendered a one-year contract as a restricted free agent, reportedly met with Smith on Wednesday, but didn't make progress. While the team has granted permission for wide receiver Vincent Jackson to negotiate with the Seahawks, McNeill hasn't been given permission to talk with other teams, and the team doesn't intend to trade him.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
