Luis

Castillo

''I felt so good,’' Castillo said. ''Then this happens. It sets you back mentally and physically. Not being able to work on the things I need to work on is hurting my ability to help the team.’'

According to the Union-Tribune San Diego, there is no “immediate timetable for a response.” Castillo is the only player known to have made a visit elsewhere, spending Saturday in New England. If Hester re-signs, he wouldn’t be guaranteed a roster spot after the Bolts gave FB Le’Ron McClain a three-year deal last Tuesday.

Castillo has been a starter in San Diego since A.J. Smith made him the 28th overall pick in the 2005 draft. He’ll have to compete hard to keep those duties in 2012. Castillo can’t seem to stay healthy, and he was largely ineffective on game days in 2010 and during his one appearance last season.

Castillo was due a $3.9 million base salary, in addition to a $1 million roster bonus right around the start of free agency. While the Chargers may be open re-signing Castillo at a lower rate, his inability to consistently stay on the field will damage his free agent market value. Castillo, 28, has played 16-game seasons just twice since entering the NFL in 2004. He missed all but one game in 2011 with a fractured left leg.

It’s worth noting that players released ahead of the March 13 start of free agency don’t have to wait for the official signing period to begin. Castillo can immediately begin making free agent visits. The Panthers could be another possible landing spot for Castillo. Carolina needs defensive tackle help, and the 29-year-old Castillo knows head coach Ron Rivera well.

Castillo has three years and roughly $14.2 million remaining on the six-year contract he signed in 2008. He will presumably be cut loose before his $1 million roster bonus comes due next month. The Chargers are reportedly open to re-signing him after he tests the market.

The Chargers want Castillo back at a lesser price, but it’s not going to happen. Castillo has already received interest from a “handful” of teams on the open market.

Castillo would be a typical Patriots’ value signing, but the limited interest he’s been generating could be a sign his medicals are proving troublesome. Castillo didn’t play another snap after breaking his leg in Week 1 last season.

Castillo broke his leg in the 2011 opener, but San Diego is expected to move on with Vaughn Martin and 2011 first-round pick Corey Liuget at defensive end. Castillo is due $4.9 million in 2012, $1M of which is believed to be in the form of a roster bonus. He’ll likely be cut just as the bonus comes due. Still only 28, Castillo has not exceeded 2.5 sacks in any season since 2006.

“For a while, he was making progress and then, like sometimes happens with these injuries, he’s kind of leveled off right now,” coach Norv Turner said. “Obviously, at some point we’ve got to consider making a move.” Castillo has been sidelined since Week 1. It’s likely he’ll be sent to I.R. the next time the Bolts need to clear a roster spot.