SAN DIEGO (AP) - The San Diego Chargers have released tight end Randy McMichael on Tuesday.

Hours before free agency began, the 11-year veteran was cut. He spent the last three seasons with the Chargers, appearing in all 48 games with 35 starts.

McMichael caught 59 passes for 543 yards and two touchdowns with San Diego after being signed as a free agent following five seasons in Miami (2002-06) and three in St. Louis.

Overall, he has 426 receptions for 4,539 yards and 24 touchdowns.

The 33-year-old McMichael would have counted $1.5 million against the salary cap.