Updated

The San Diego Chargers signed inside year contract on Friday.

Cooper was originally signed by the Chargers in 2003 as a rookie free agent out of the University of Maine. He has missed just eight games in his eight- year career, totaling 502 tackles and 9 1/2 sacks in 120 games.

Four of his absences came in 2008 when he was suspended for violating the NFL policy on steroids and related substances.

"We are happy Coop decided to return to the Chargers," said Chargers general manager A.J. Smith. "He wanted to explore the free agent market and weigh his options. He will bring his experience and more veteran leadership to our linebacker corps."