The San Diego Chargers have signed defensive end Luis Castillo to a new seven-year contract, the team announced.

More Stories

• Giants trade Shockey to Saints
• NFL photos

Castillo, the first Dominican-born player to start in the NFL, is now under contract through the 2014 season.

In three seasons with the Chargers, the 2005 first-round draft choice has recorded 13 career sacks.

An ankle injury forced him to miss seven games last year before returning to the lineup.

"Luis has played a huge role in the success we've had as a defense," Chargers General Manager AJ Smith said.

"He's an ascending player who is committed to getting better."