The Chargers released WR Chris Chambers on Monday, according to a statement released by the team. The move comes after Chambers was removed from the starting lineup Sunday in favor of Malcom Floyd.

Chambers, 31, had been in the midst of a season-long struggle. Before being demoted in Week Eight, he had just eight catches for 102 yards and one TD. He caught one pass for 20 yards Sunday vs. the Raiders.

In his ninth pro season, Chambers appeared to lose much of his explosion and separation ability. Despite efforts by QB Philip Rivers to get him the ball, Chambers was rarely able to create space from defenders or get open downfield. His long catch of the season was Sunday's 20-yarder.

Set to become a free agent after the season, Chambers was not expected to be re-signed by San Diego, so this move allows him to get a jump-start on finding a new team. A contender looking to add a veteran at wideout could give him a serious look in the coming weeks.

"There are a number of things that went into the decision," Chargers head coach Norv Turner said. "The reason we're able to do this is the play of Malcom and the way Legedu Naanee is performing.  Certainly there are a number of other things in terms of our football team that we need to address.  Defensively and in the kicking game … we need to get some help."

For the Chargers, Floyd will become the permanent starter opposite Vincent Jackson, with Legedu Naanee likely taking over the role as the slot receiver. Catching two passes for 64 yards on Sunday, Floyd is an enormous target at 6-foot-5 and should provide Rivers with another big-play weapon.