Doug Flutie has been sent scrambling once again, and this time it might be for good.

The San Diego Chargers released Flutie yesterday, the latest move in the quarterback's roundabout 20-year career that has taken him through eight teams in three professional leagues.

Flutie, 42, always will be remembered for the desperation pass against Miami that helped him win the 1984 Heisman Trophy with Boston College. While that play earned him legendary status, he struggled for success in the NFL because there were always questions about his 5-foot-10 size.

Flutie has always been young at heart and stayed in great shape. He wanted to stay in San Diego for another season because his daughter, who attends La Jolla High, will be a senior next fall.

"I think Doug definitely wants to try and play at least for another year," his agent, Kristen Kuliga, said from Boston. "I'll be looking at what opportunities might be out there, with a team that wants a quality backup quarterback."

Flutie, a fan favorite wherever he has played, had two years left on his Chargers contract and was due a $350,000 roster bonus Tuesday. Counting that bonus, he was to earn $1.35 million in 2005.

Although he always was exciting when he was on the field, Flutie became expendable after Drew Brees, who had an outstanding 2004 season, signed an $8,078,000 contract as the team's "franchise" player.

The Chargers don't need to carry four quarterbacks, like they did last year. They also have Philip Rivers, the fourth overall pick in the 2004 draft, and second-year man Cleo Lemon.

In a statement released by the Chargers, Flutie thanked the late John Butler, who was general manager when the quarterback signed as a free agent in March 2001, and current GM A.J. Smith.

"There are no hard feelings. It's a mutual parting," Flutie said in the statement.

"It's the right thing for me. It opens up other doors of opportunity for me if I want. Rather than retiring outright, I wanted to be released so that I could pursue other things if they arise."

Giants

New York added depth to their defensive line yesterday, signing former Steelers backup nose tackle Kendrick Clancy. Financial details were not disclosed. A five-year veteran, Clancy was released by the Steelers in September but was resigned Oct. 20 after nose tackle Casey Hampton had a season-ending knee injury.

Chiefs

Kansas City signed free-agent safety Sammy Knight to a five-year contract yesterday. No financial terms were disclosed. Knight was a Pro Bowl selection in 2001 with the New Orleans Saints and a starter for the Miami Dolphins the past two seasons. The Chiefs signed former Steelers linebacker Kendrell Bell to a seven-year contract Tuesday. The Chiefs' defense finished near the bottom of the league in most categories each of the past three seasons.

Cowboys

A week after receiving a $9 million signing bonus, Dallas offensive right guard Marco Rivera had surgery to repair a bulging disk in his lower back. He is expected to be ready to play in time for training camp.

Bengals

Cincinnati waived cornerback Dennis Weathersby, whose career has been sidetracked by a car accident and drive-by shooting. He missed last season because with a head injury from a car accident in April 2004. Since then, he has been unable to pass the physical needed to return.

Dolphins

Miami re-signed backup quarterback Sage Rosenfels to a one-year deal yesterday. Rosenfels, 27, is expected to be the primary backup for new starter A.J. Feeley. No financial terms were released.

Jets

In addition to signing Jay Fiedler to a five-year deal with $1.3 million guaranteed, including a $500,000 signing bonus yesterday, New York signed free-agent linebacker Barry Gardner, who spent the past two seasons with Cleveland. No terms of Gardner's contract were disclosed.