SAN DIEGO — Derek Smith, released Tuesday by the San Francisco 49ers, agreed to a two-year deal with the San Diego Chargers today.

Smith will bolster the team's inside linebackers group.

He spent seven seasons with the 49ers, and was their leading tackler from 2001-05. He's spent the last three years playing in a 3-4 defense, which is what the Chargers play.

Smith was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1997 and played four seasons under Norv Turner, who is entering his second season as San Diego's head coach.

Neither general manager A.J. Smith nor Turner immediately returned phone calls seeking comment.