Chargers mull options with Brees

[Angel]

Chargers mull options with Brees

By: North County Times -

The Chargers aren't ready to disclose their position with quarterback Drew Brees.

Brees, who is coming off right shoulder surgery, can become a free agent on March 3. But the Chargers can prevent that by signing him to a contract, or designating him as a franchise or transition player before next Thursday afternoon's deadline.

A Chargers spokesman said there would be no announcement regarding Brees on Wednesday.

The two sides are working on a multiyear deal, something Brees has long sought.


If common ground can't be reached, the Chargers are expected to protect themselves by granting him franchise or transition status.

With Brees as a franchise player, the team could match any other offer, or decline and receive two first-round picks; it's highly unlikely a rival would relinquish such a bounty for Brees.

Brees, as a franchise player, would earn in 2006 the average of the top five quarterback salaries, which is roughly a guaranteed $9.7 million.

As a transition player, the Chargers retain the option to equal any offer, but wouldn't be compensated if Brees leaves. Brees' compensation would be the average of the top 10 quarterback salaries and it wouldn't be guaranteed until he makes the opening-day squad. That avenue might make more sense for the Chargers considering Brees' medical status.

Brees isn't expected to resume throwing until May.

Chargers general manager A. J. Smith, and Brees' agent, Tom Condon, didn't return calls seeking comment.

The team has agreed to terms with backup fullback Andrew Pinnock on a five-year deal and restructured No. 3 quarterback A. J. Feeley's contract through 2007.


http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/02/16/sports/professional/chargers/21_03_112_15_06.txt

 

[Crossbones]

Heard rumoprsa from John Clayton that the chargers may let Brees test FA. Interesting.

 

[JC]

Brees would be a good fit for the Jets possibly...alot of QB's moving that we wouldn't expect with Pennington and McNair's contracts.

 

[Angel]

I just find it hard to believe the Chargers would let Brees go....but I'm not against the idea!!

 

[Crossbones]

I just find it hard to believe the Chargers would let Brees go....but I'm not against the idea!!

That shoulder is what makess it possible from where i sit. they have no idea how he is going to come through that surgery and he's gonna be big money.

 

[Angel]

That shoulder is what makess it possible from where i sit. they have no idea how he is going to come through that surgery and he's gonna be big money.

Yeah....but if he's already progressing in rehab (as they say he is) he should be fine by the start of regular season....but still....anytime a player has that kind of surgery, it does make you wonder if they'll come back and be as good as they were before the injury.

 

[Crossbones]

No guarantees on how he is really progressing.

Just the doctor saying "he's progressing" wouldn't be enough for me. I'd want to see him in some live action. But they don't have the luxury of being able to do that right now. So it's a dilemma.

 

[Angel]

No guarantees on how he is really progressing.

Just the doctor saying "he's progressing" wouldn't be enough for me. I'd want to see him in some live action. But they don't have the luxury of being able to do that right now. So it's a dilemma.

Exactly....but if they let Brees go to FA, look for some team to snap him up pretty quick....and then, what for the Chargers? wait....I dont' care as long as it's bad!!