SAN DIEGO -- Hard-hitting strong safety Rodney Harrison, one of the most-fined players in NFL history, and receiver Curtis Conway were cut by the San Diego Chargers in salary-cap moves Thursday.

The Chargers also released fullback Fred McCrary, running back Terrell Fletcher, cornerback Alex Molden and tackle Ed Ellis.

The cuts will save the Chargers about $13 million, giving them room to sign free agents. Before the cuts, the Chargers reportedly had been only about $400,000 under the projected cap of $74.8 million.

"I've given everything I have to the San Diego Chargers,'' Harrison said. "I had a great career there, the city embraced me, and I played my heart out.

"As disappointing as it is, it was only a matter of time. I mean, if Jerry Rice can be released by the 49ers, then Rodney Harrison can be released by the Chargers. I'm happy to test the free-agent market and in effect start a new career.''

Harrison has been fined more than $200,000 for several infractions during his nine-year career. The biggest was last season when he was suspended for one game without pay -- a hit of $111,764 -- for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Oakland's Jerry Rice.

Harrison also was fined $40,000 for a hit on Raiders tight end Jeremy Brigham in 2000.

Conway, bothered by a shoulder injury late in the season, had a team-high 852 yards on 57 catches, and five touchdowns. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson led the Chargers with 79 catches, for 489 yards.