clarinews@clarinet.com (02/03/90)
SAN DIEGO (UPI) -- The San Diego Chargers cast 17 players into the pool of unprotected free agents Friday but held on to quarterback Jim McMahon, who finished last season on the bench. Although McMahon, hampered by injuries and a lack of success moving the offense, backed up Billy Joe Tolliver the final five games, Coach Dan Henning had indicated that he was inclined to protect the former Bears star from Plan B free agency. McMahon was acquired from Chicago last August for a 1990 draft choice. He completed 176 of 318 passes for 2,132 yards, 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Unprotected players free to sign with another team include: quarterback David Archer; kicker Chris Bahr; punter Hank Ilesic; defensive backs Elvis Patterson, Elliott Smith and Roy Bennett; linebackers Ken Woodard, Joe Campbell and Jim Collins; H-back Craig McEwen; offensive linemen James FitzPatrick, Chris Ganon, Brett Miller and Don Macek; wide receiver Phil McConkey, and tight ends Andy Parker and Marc Walszac.