In a move that underscores the scope of the dramatic overhaul the San Diego Chargers are undertaking in their secondary in 2003, the team on Tuesday released veteran defensive back Ryan McNeil, even though his $1.75 million base salary is guaranteed for the season.

The 10-year veteran, who had played cornerback his entire previous career, was moved to free safety in the spring. He was working with the first unit there, but the Chargers two months ago signed standout free safety Kwamie Lassiter from the unrestricted ranks, and also have several young players vying for spots in the lineup.

It is likely now that Lassiter will take over at free safety or that second-round pick Terrence Kiel, who has been limited in camp because of injuries, will compete for the job. Kiel worked with the No. 1 defense at times in the spring, but then was shot three times in a July 4 carjacking and subsequently underwent surgery to repair a broken leg.

San Diego finished statistically last in the league in defense versus the pass in 2002. The club used each of its first three picks in the 2003 draft to select defensive backs. Its top choice in the 2002 draft was cornerback Quentin Jammer.

McNeil, 32, played two seasons for the Chargers and started in 31 of a possible 32 games. He had 156 tackles and nine interceptions in those two years. The former University of Miami star started all 16 games in 2002, and recorded 79 tackles and one interception.

In stints with Detroit (1993-96), St. Louis (1997-98), Cleveland (1999), Dallas (2000) and San Diego (2001-2002), he appeared in 157 games and logged 136 starts. McNeil registered 745 tackles, 31 interceptions and 113 passes defensed. He has had at least one interception in every season except the 1999 campaign.

There had been recent rumors that McNeil's roster spot could be in jeopardy, but the prevailing opinion was that San Diego could keep him because of his guaranteed salary. The club reworked his contract earlier this spring and, for certain concessions on his part, guaranteed the salary.

That means the Chargers realize no salary cap break for 2003 and McNeil will count $2.505 million against the club's spending limit. San Diego will be charged $1.5 million for McNeil in 2004 because of prorated signing bonus segments.

San Diego also waived Onome Ojo, a free agent wide receiver, on Tuesday afternoon.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.