All offseason, the Chargers' No. 1 goal was to get QB Philip Rivers locked up to a long-term contract extension. The process took months to complete, but there was a reason the deal didn't get done until Aug. 24.

From what we hear, San Diego GM A.J. Smith purposely waited until Giants QB Eli Manning signed his long-term deal before entering into serious negotiations with Rivers. Smith figured he would allow the Giants to set the parameters for what a franchise quarterback from the 2004 draft class is presently worth — in Manning's case, six years and $97.5 million — before working out a contract with his player. Once Manning's pact was finalized, it took roughly a week for the Chargers and Rivers to complete his six-year, $93 million deal.

But Rivers is not the only key Charger whose deal was set to expire after '09. LB Shawne Merriman, WR Vincent Jackson, RB Darren Sproles and OLT Marcus McNeill all will become free agents after the season, giving the organization a number of crucial decisions to make.

We hear that the Bolts have concerns about each of these players that have kept them from extending contract offers. It has been widely reported that they never have loved Merriman's attitude or numerous off-field endeavors, and they want to see how the linebacker looks in game action after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery before handing him a bunch of money.

With Jackson, San Diego is worried that his two DUI arrests could result in a suspension if he's convicted in his pending trial. And while the Chargers obviously liked Sproles enough to franchise him this offseason, they aren't ready to give out a hefty contract to a return man and part-time running back.

Further complicating matters is the fact that two other critical players, TE Antonio Gates and CB Antonio Cromartie, are due to become free agents after the 2010 season. With Smith not wanting to lose either of them, it's possible that he holds off on doling out cash to the aforementioned group until he gets both Gates and Cromartie locked up.

We understand that if anyone from the '09 group is likely to get extended, it's McNeill. Making the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons, the mammoth lineman's play was hindered last year by a neck injury. His regression in '08 raised doubts about his long-term worth, but a rebound campaign likely will earn the 25-year-old a megadeal befitting a star left tackle.

Kickoff is coming! Be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com.