Neal among three released by Chargers as team heads into free agency

The Chargers tried for three years to work out an extension with Florence, who went from starter to nickel back after the emergence of Antonio Cromartie. Cromartie led the NFL with 10 interceptions and was named All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl.

Volek will no doubt get a look on the market simply based on his leading the Chargers on the game-winning drive at Indianapolis in the divisional playoffs on Jan. 13 after Philip Rivers was knocked out with a knee injury. Volek scored on a 1-yard sneak. If Volek leaves, Charlie Whitehurst would move up on the depth chart to back up Rivers.

The Chargers said 11 players have either had surgery or are scheduled to.

The three players scheduled to have surgery in the next few weeks are all Pro Bowlers -- linebacker Shawne Merriman (knee), left tackle Marcus McNeill (shoulder) and defensive tackle Jamal Williams (knees). Williams pulled out of the Pro Bowl because of his injuries and McNeill, originally a second alternate, was added to the roster when two players pulled out.

Smith declined to be specific about the nature of their injuries. He said he expects everyone to be ready by the season opener. Among them are Rivers, who had reconstructive surgery on his right knee on Jan. 23, and Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates, who had surgery Wednesday on his dislocated left big toe.

Merriman said he has a meniscus tear in his left knee, which he injured in an overtime win at Tennessee on Dec. 9.

"I've been trying to set a date to get it done but I'm expecting to get it done in the next few weeks," Merriman said in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

McNeill said he hasn't committed yet to having surgery, but if he does, it will just be a cleanup of his right shoulder.