Ryan Matthews Gets $25 Million From Chargers

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Running Back Ryan Mathews signed a five-year, $25.65 million contract with the San Diego Chargers, with just more than $15 million in guaranteed money.

Mathews is the heir apparent to LaDainian Tomlinson and was expected to be at Sunday's late-afternoon practice. He missed seven practices, including three for rookies and selected veterans last week.

San Diego moved up 16 spots in the draft to take Mathews with the 12th pick overall. He'll replace Tomlinson, the 2006 NFL MVP who was released in the offseason and then signed with the New York Jets.

Mathews rushed for 3,280 yards in three seasons at Fresno State, scoring a school-record 39 touchdowns and averaging 6.1 yards per carry.

Last season as a junior, he rushed for 100 yards against three Top 25 teams, Cincinnati, Boise State and Wisconsin.

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