The Chargers have been without No. 1 wide receiver Eric Parker since June and needed to bolster their passing game.

Chambers has 31 receptions for 415 yards and no touchdowns this season. He was a second-round choice by Miami in 2001 and enjoyed his best season in 2005, when he made 82 catches for 1,118 yards and 11 scores.

Chambers is signed through 2009.

"This trade will give some of our younger players at that position, such as Ted Ginn and Derek Hagan, more of an opportunity this year," Dolphins general manager Randy Mueller said in a statement. "Chris did everything we asked of him and represented this organization in a first-class manner. We wish him and his family the best of luck in San Diego."

Yesterday, Chargers coach Norv Turner said Parker was getting a second opinion on his right big toe. Parker broke the toe during a June minicamp, and had surgery on it in early August. The Chargers said at the time they expected Parker to be out up to 10 weeks.

The trade suggests the Dolphins are looking to the future following an 0-6 start, which matches the worst in franchise history. Ginn had a 32-yard reception in Sunday's loss at Cleveland.

The Dolphins are in their first season under Cam Cameron, the former offensive coordinator of the Chargers.