Mortenson: Chargers may let Brees go in FA.

[LightningStorm]

I was at the faider forum someone just posted this that chargers are not going to offer brees a contract does anyone know whats going on i think there full of ****


Mortenson reports that Brees is gon
Dude is going to be a free agent, dolts are not going to renew his contract.

[Dago81Sd]

No way Brees is leaving. At minimum the Chargers will slap a transition tag on.

[Podium]

There probably just going off what Mort said on NFL countdown before the Pro Bowl. Saying that it's not a given the Chargers will sign Brees or something like that. Mort also reported that the Jets are asking Pennington to take a HUGE pay cut, and is implying that since B. Schott is there, well take from that what you will. I think what Mort's not mentioning is in the Transition Tag though.

[LightningStorm]

Alright i looked and could not find anything I was sweatin for a moment

[HeadTrip]

He may be gone, but he won't be leaving without compensation. He will get tagged and traded (for much less than he is worth) if worst comes to worst.

[Sanitation Man]

I was at the faider forum someone just posted this that chargers are not going to offer brees a contract does anyone know whats going on i think there full of ****...

There's your first problem, you were at the forum of our bitter rivals. What the hell would they know before anyone in San Diego??? Instead of getting your info from others and setting off a panic, wait for the Chargers or Brees to confirm.

Sorry to bust your balls, but these speculation threads are cause for insanity...

Respectfully

[KingGL]

Mort is not all knowing and has been wrong more then once.....

[Podium]

Mort is not all knowing and has been wrong more then once.....

I'll second that:Beer:

[Dago81Sd]

The only way I see Brees possible leaving, is if the Chargers slap a transition tag on him but he decides on a long-term contract with another team. However, this is very unlikely, for one Brees likes and enjoys success in the system with L.T and Gates and in the future with a upgraded 0-line, and secondly I don't see many teams offering huge long term deal due to his recent injury.

[Ikeman83]

This thread should be closed... I about **** myself.

[Chargerville]

Mort is not all knowing and has been wrong more then once.....Not as much as Mel Kiper.:p LOL.

[Ikeman83]

on madden 06 for xbox 360, the radio anouncer always sounds like he says febreeze when he says drew brees.

discuss.:Helmet:

Talk about an off topic post.

[LightningStorm]

well mort said something i missed it and just came across this posting thats why I turned to you guys for info did not mean to freak people out I almost **** my pants myself

[Dan40]

I changed the thread title because it was confusing.

Chris Mortenson did report at the beginning of the Pro Bowl that the Chargers could possibly gamble and let Brees go into free agency without tagging him. He didn't reveal any sources (of course).

He also said that the Jets would sign Brees if that would happen.

Keep in mind this is speculation. Would AJ risk not getting compensated for Brees just because he might not be ready for TC?

[Ikeman83]

This belongs under Whispers and Rumors, for sure, because that's all it is. It seems to me that he just said that that was a possibility, like "Well, the Chargers could put LT on the trade block if another team was willing to offer up it's 1st rounders for the next ten years."

[Podium]

He also said something about the Chargers thinking that Brees won't get a lot of offers. Or something to that extent.

[Ikeman83]

ESPN has no information about the Charger's negotiations with Drew Brees, and is just trying to get reactions and stir up rumors. Even ESPN's Rumor Central insider feature doesn't have this listed, because it's pure crap.

[BoltzaQtion]

I heard Mortensen say what's in the below article in the pre-game show before the Probowl.


http://www.theredzone.org/news/showarticle.asp?ArticleID=3705

Report: Chargers might let Brees test free agency

Chris Mortensen reports the San Diego Chargers are wrestling with the idea of making Drew Brees an unrestrictive free agent perhaps gambling his shoulder surgery would have a chilling effect on interested teams.

[TJ21]

I guess AJ's first offer wasn't too good.

I'm sorry, I'm confused about something. Why would AJ transition tag and not franchise tag Drew? I'm probably late in asking this question.

But from what I know, a franchise tag forces the player to accept a contract worth 120% his contract of the previous year AND the club has the right to match any offer the player may reciever, if they don't match we get two first round picks.

A transition tag (I'm a little shaky on, so correct me if I'm wrong) only OFFERS the player 120%. The player can accept offers again, but with this tag, if the club doesn't match, they don't get anything.

So why would we transition him instead of tag him? I think I'm confused on what a transition is exactly...

[Dago81Sd]

I guess AJ's first offer wasn't too good.

I'm sorry, I'm confused about something. Why would AJ transition tag and not franchise tag Drew? I'm probably late in asking this question.

But from what I know, a franchise tag forces the player to accept a contract worth 120% his contract of the previous year AND the club has the right to match any offer the player may reciever, if they don't match we get two first round picks.

A transition tag (I'm a little shaky on, so correct me if I'm wrong) only OFFERS the player 120%. The player can accept offers again, but with this tag, if the club doesn't match, they don't get anything.

So why would we transition him instead of tag him? I think I'm confused on what a transition is exactly...
The reason being, offered a minimum of the top 10 salaries in the league as opposed to the top 5, which would be considerbly higher and also retaining the right to match any offer.

Since he was franchised the previous year the '120% figure wouldn't come into play.

[foober]

They've offered him a contract. That kind of says the chargers want him. Even if they don't tag him they can still sign him to a contract.

[TJ21]

They've offered him a contract. That kind of says the chargers want him. Even if they don't tag him they can still sign him to a contract.
I guarantee the contract was less then half of what he'd get with a transition tag. That's why he hasn't accepted.

I'm sure Drew would gladly play for less then the transition amount, but it's Tom Condon's (his agent) responsibility to make sure he gets what he's worth. Hey, even if he doesn't get the long term deal... as long as he's in a Bolts uniform... its all good. :Beer:

[Ikeman83]

The other reason they transition tag him is because if they T-Tag him, and then sign him to a long term deal this year, nothing happens. If they franchise him, and then sign him long-term after I think March 3rd, then the Chargers would lose the franchise tag for the length of his contract.

[HeadTrip]

AJ is not unfair in his contract offers from what I have seen. The truth is, Drew's value ot the team diminished due to the injury. It's no ones fault, but thats the way it is. Drew won't get what he is worth until he has proven that injury is a thing of the past.

[Dago81Sd]

Its a business. Supply and demand. Both sides play it.

[TJ21]

AJ is not unfair in his contract offers from what I have seen. The truth is, Drew's value ot the team diminished due to the injury. It's no ones fault, but thats the way it is. Drew won't get what he is worth until he has proven that injury is a thing of the past.
True. But when was the last time an initial offer was accepted anyway? Looks like this thing is going to give some of us a headache.

[Ikeman83]

It's gonna cost me sleep is what it's gonna do

[Rivers2Gates]

This thread should be closed... I about **** myself.
I will back you on that cuz i had the same feeling!! This thread should be canned

[Dago81Sd]

Won't cost me any sleep here. No way that AJ lets Brees goes.

[TJ21]

Won't cost me any sleep here. No way that AJ lets Brees goes.
Just like there's no way that Seattle doesn't let Shaun Alexander enter free agency? I'm not losing sleep (cause I get really tired lol) but I will stress over this.

[foober]

I guarantee the contract was less then half of what he'd get with a transition tag. That's why he hasn't accepted.

I'm sure Drew would gladly play for less then the transition amount, but it's Tom Condon's (his agent) responsibility to make sure he gets what he's worth. Hey, even if he doesn't get the long term deal... as long as he's in a Bolts uniform... its all good. :Beer:

I think we really need him signed to a long term deal this year. ONe because he may not be able to play next year needing a year to recuperate. And two to not have to go through having to tag him again. And possibly if need be then trade him for compensation in a year or two if Rivers proves good enough.

[Dago81Sd]

Well, sort of comparing apples and oragnes. For one, the Chargers have the cap room as opposed to Seattle. Two, IMHO, Brees is much more vital to the team success as opposed to Alexander, in which Seattle could stick any tailback behind that all-pro line and maintain considerable success.

But I see your point, nothing is guranteed. However, I'm very confident, about 98%, that Brees will be back in a Chargers uniform for 2006.

[TJ21]

Brees will be ready to play next year. Don't worry about that. I just hope he doesn't agrrevate his injury. But judging from his progress updates, he's almsot half a month ahead of schedule.

[HeadTrip]

Well, sort of comparing apples and oragnes. For one, the Chargers have the cap room as opposed to Seattle. Two, IMHO, Brees is much more vital to the team success as opposed to Alexander, in which Seattle could stick any tailback behind that all-pro line and maintain considerable success.

But I see your point, nothing is guranteed. However, I'm very confident, about 98%, that Brees will be back in a Chargers uniform for 2006.

Seattle has as much room as us.

[foober]

Brees will be ready to play next year. Don't worry about that. I just hope he doesn't agrrevate his injury. But judging from his progress updates, he's almsot half a month ahead of schedule.

Its just well wishing that he'll heal fast and well. No one really knows. Won't know for many months.

I would guess that if they can't get him signed to a long term deal they may let him go. The problem is next year. What do they do with him not signed long term and he's healthy again. And can be a free agent. Do they want to go through this all again. So its up to him if he wants to stay in san diego. Which I would guess he would.

[TJ21]

Seattle has as much room as us.
Really? With Jones, Hutchinson, Alexander, Hasselbeck and Strong all resigned this year?

[HeadTrip]

Really? With Jones, Hutchinson, Alexander, Hasselbeck and Strong all resigned this year?

Oh hell no, but they have more than enough to get all their guys resigned. They won't be able to add a bunch of talent outside of the draft though.

[Dago81Sd]

Actually, Seattle is projected to be around 21 million same as the Chargers minus 2006 free agents which would bring the figure considerably lower.

[JoeMcRugby]

I guess AJ's first offer wasn't too good.

I'm sorry, I'm confused about something. Why would AJ transition tag and not franchise tag Drew? I'm probably late in asking this question.

But from what I know, a franchise tag forces the player to accept a contract worth 120% his contract of the previous year AND the club has the right to match any offer the player may reciever, if they don't match we get two first round picks.

A transition tag (I'm a little shaky on, so correct me if I'm wrong) only OFFERS the player 120%. The player can accept offers again, but with this tag, if the club doesn't match, they don't get anything.

So why would we transition him instead of tag him? I think I'm confused on what a transition is exactly...

The difference is that if they franchise tag Drew and he signs it (which he would before the ink dries), that means his 2006 contract is guaranteed for around $10 million and it's irrevocable. And if they sign Brees to a long-term deal after March 15, they lose the franchise tag for the duration of the long-term deal to which they sign Brees (an impossibility - no team would willingly lose that carrot for multiple years. It's franchise suicide).

So hiss good-bye 40% of the open cap space for 2006 and any chance of significantly upgrading the roster with a big name free agent this year if they franchise tag Brees and don't reach a deal within 3 weeks (giving Condon all of the leverage in negotiations). However, if another team would sign Brees to an offer sheet and the Chargers decline to match it, then the Chargers would receive two first round picks in return.

If Brees is transition tagged, then they have up until the last minute until the final roster is set on the first week of September to reach a long-term deal with Brees. Until that moment, Brees' contract is not guaranteed and any long-term deal that is worked out would not have any future repurcussions. If Brees signs an offer sheet from another franchise and the Chargers decline to match it, then the Bolts receive nothing in return.

Considering that Brees won't be throwing the football at full strength until training camp, no team in their right minds would be foolish enough to tender Brees such an outrageous contract that the Chargers won't match it.

This allows the Bolts to see how his shoulder mends (and lets Condon assess Brees' recovery and value as well) before "real" long-term discussions commence.

I think Mort is way off on this one. I'd be shocked if the Bolts don't at least transition tag Brees to keep the "matching" rights for Drew.

[JoeMcRugby]

Just like there's no way that Seattle doesn't let Shaun Alexander enter free agency? I'm not losing sleep (cause I get really tired lol) but I will stress over this.

Big difference, tahirhon.

The Seahawks contracted with Alexander that they would not slap the franchise tag on Alexander in 2006 after doing it to him in 2005.

The Chargers made no such agreement with Brees last year. ;)

[Dago81Sd]

^ Had no idea you could "contract" such a thing.

[foober]

I think we have to look at this as what would be best for the chargers. It would work out best if Drew signs a good fair long term deal. And he and RIvers fight on for who will be the starter.

ONly thing is. Brees may possibly not be able to compete next year because of the injury. But after seeing what RIvers can do for a year will allow the chargers to make the decision on who stays and who goes And they can get compensation for the one they trade.

[JoeMcRugby]

I guarantee the contract was less then half of what he'd get with a transition tag. That's why he hasn't accepted.

That's where we've all go to take a deep breath on, tahirjon.

Long-term contracts are totally different than transition/franchise tags. Transition/franchise tags kill a team's salary cap.

Long-term deals are all about up-front guaranteed bonus money. Even with the best of deals for Drew, a long-term contract will only amount to one-half the cap hit (maximum) as compared to a one-year tag deal.

Drew is looking for an 8 figure signing bonus and I'm pretty darn sure that at this point in time of the rehabilitation process, AJ won't be offering a signing bonus anywhere near Condon is looking for. And I don't blame AJ. One of the main things that has killed the Jets is the huge signing bonus they gave to Pennington.

Until he's back healthy, Drew won't get his guaranteed bonus.

[TJ21]

That's where we've all go to take a deep breath on, tahirjon.

Long-term contracts are totally different than transition/franchise tags. Transition/franchise tags kill a team's salary cap.

Long-term deals are all about up-front guaranteed bonus money. Even with the best of deals for Drew, a long-term contract will only amount to one-half the cap hit (maximum) as compared to a one-year tag deal.

Drew is looking for an 8 figure signing bonus and I'm pretty darn sure that at this point in time of the rehabilitation process, AJ won't be offering a signing bonus anywhere near Condon is looking for. And I don't blame AJ. One of the main things that has killed the Jets is the huge signing bonus they gave to Pennington.

Until he's back healthy, Drew won't get his guaranteed bonus.
Why not offer a provisional bonus? He gets big $$$ if he wins 9 games a starter? Are such things not done?

[SDFaiderHater]

The only way I see Brees possible leaving, is if the Chargers slap a transition tag on him but he decides on a long-term contract with another team. However, this is very unlikely, for one Brees likes and enjoys success in the system with L.T and Gates and in the future with a upgraded 0-line, and secondly I don't see many teams offering huge long term deal due to his recent injury.

i wish LT was our GM for this one decision, because i just have a huge gut feeling AJ is going to BS us by saying we tried to sign him but he wanted too much money, then he will go sign somewhere else for not a lot of money.

[TJ21]

i wish LT was our GM for this one decision, because i just have a huge gut feeling AJ is going to BS us by saying we tried to sign him but he wanted too much money, then he will go sign somewhere else for not a lot of money.
I don't think AJ wants Brees to go... Just my gut. He might think Rivers can do better (tottally random guess on my part), but as a GM he wants to keep all his good players.

[HeadTrip]

i wish LT was our GM for this one decision, because i just have a huge gut feeling AJ is going to BS us by saying we tried to sign him but he wanted too much money, then he will go sign somewhere else for not a lot of money.

I think AJ is a better GM than that don't you?

[SDFaiderHater]

I don't think AJ wants Brees to go... Just my gut. He might think Rivers can do better (tottally random guess on my part), but as a GM he wants to keep all his good players.

no, every GM wants to win with the guy he picked, same with the Head Coach, both were so high on Rivers, you may feel differently, but the way he strong armed Gates, which IMO was a bad move, since he signed the next day. the way he is so intense on not signing any big names, im not as high on AJ as most people here. Hes had a good draft with picking up Olivea and completely Owning the Giants, but his other draft has basically been picking a sure thing(Merriman) a top 20 pick if he wasnt busted for Andro(Castillo) and the rest were ok, i think VJ comes out like a beast next year, but Sproles was anything but spectacular, and he couldnt overcome his lack of size like everyone(including myself) though he would.

So in my eyes, and this means nothing as some of you like to inform people, AJ is far from a GM guru.

[Rivers2Gates]

no, every GM wants to win with the guy he picked, same with the Head Coach, both were so high on Rivers, you may feel differently, but the way he strong armed Gates, which IMO was a bad move, since he signed the next day. the way he is so intense on not signing any big names, im not as high on AJ as most people here. Hes had a good draft with picking up Olivea and completely Owning the Giants, but his other draft has basically been picking a sure thing(Merriman) a top 20 pick if he wasnt busted for Andro(Castillo) and the rest were ok, i think VJ comes out like a beast next year, but Sproles was anything but spectacular, and he couldnt overcome his lack of size like everyone(including myself) though he would.

So in my eyes, and this means nothing as some of you like to inform people, AJ is far from a GM guru.
absolutely, i cant help but believe that this is true. AJ is hard headed and doesnt want anybody with a little swagger. I think we need someone like chad johnson to mouth off a little. a BIG NAME to come in here!!

[Thunderstruck]

I think we need someone like chad johnson to mouth off a little. a BIG NAME to come in here!!

And how do you think that will help us?

[foober]

I'd have to guess A.j. is a far better g.m. than some here.

A.j. will do whats best for the chargers.

[Dago81Sd]

Well, Chad Johnson would help us. However, I don't know about the "big mouth" part.

[TJ21]

I'd have to guess A.j. is a far better g.m. than some here.

A.j. will do whats best for the chargers.
I agree. But I'll doubt that he knows what he's doing if he lets Drew go without SERIOUSLY GOOD compensation... including a good backup QB for Rivers. Getting rid of Drew without getting A LOT out of it would be DEADLY to our team.

[Thunderstruck]

Right now we should just file this under the category of rumors and move on with our lives. I seriously doubt that AJ confides in Mortenson, and if the rumor is coming out of the Brees' camp, you can rest assured they don't know what AJ's thinking.

[foober]

I agree. But I'll doubt that he knows what he's doing if he lets Drew go without SERIOUSLY GOOD compensation... including a good backup QB for Rivers. Getting rid of Drew without getting A LOT out of it would be DEADLY to our team.

What do you want A.j. to do. Franchise tag drew again. Have to shell out 10 million that they could have used to land some good free agents and pay off guys we have now. Plus not even knowing if brees can play next year.

YOU have to look at whats best for the chargers. And franchise tagging probably wouldn't be whats best.

[TJ21]

Right now we should just file this under the category of rumors and move on with our lives. I seriously doubt that AJ confides in Mortenson, and if the rumor is coming out of the Brees' camp, you can rest assured they don't know what AJ's thinking.
Agreed. This would be a ridiculous move for both sides.

[JoeMcRugby]

Why not offer a provisional bonus? He gets big $$$ if he wins 9 games a starter? Are such things not done?

I've never heard of a "provisional bonus". That sounds like an incentive to me.

And I don't think Condon will like that one a bit. How do you think the reaction would be if Drew plays most of 2006, is sitting at 8 wins and the Chargers decide to start PR?

Agents (and players) want the only guaranteed money that there is in the NFL: signing bonuses.

[Thunderstruck]

What do you want A.j. to do. Franchise tag drew again. Have to shell out 10 million that they could use to land some good free agents and pay off guys we have now. Plus not even knowing if brees can play next year.

That's the real problem--the injury. If Brees was healthy this whole thing would be a no-brainer. Problem is, Brees is not healthy and while his prognosis may be good, there are definitely no assurances. All it would take is for him to have one setback in March or April and suddenly your plans are completely borked.

The simple fact is this: Signing Brees to a long-term contract with a huge signing bonus right now is risky. That's how the Jets got in trouble with Pennington--signed him to a huge deal and then he injures (end then re-injures) his shoulder.

Some people seem to be saying, "Brees will be fine, just give him his money!" Well, that's the same gambling logic Marty used when he allowed Brees to start the final game..."hey, I'm sure Drew will be fine. Nothing bad will happen."

Sometimes the risks don't turn out for the best, and if AJ drops a huge contract on Drew and Drew can't live up to that contract--for whatever reason--it could be disastrous to this franchise.

[TJ21]

I've never heard of a "provisional bonus". That sounds like an incentive to me.

And I don't think Condon will like that one a bit. How do you think the reaction would be if Drew plays most of 2006, is sitting at 8 wins and the Chargers decide to start PR?

Agents (and players) want the only guaranteed money that there is in the NFL: signing bonuses.
Yeah, I meant incentives, forgive me: it is late. Do you honestly think Marty would sit Drew just so the organization could save money? Why didn't he sit EP for the last game of the season? :confused:

[HeadTrip]

That's the real problem--the injury. If Brees was healthy this whole thing would be a no-brainer. Problem is, Brees is not healthy and while his prognosis may be good, there are definitely no assurances. All it would take is for him to have one setback in March or April and suddenly your plans are completely borked.

The simple fact is this: Signing Brees to a long-term contract with a huge signing bonus right now is risky. That's how the Jets got in trouble with Pennington--signed him to a huge deal and then he injures (end then re-injures) his shoulder.

Some people seem to be saying, "Brees will be fine, just give him his money!" Well, that's the same gambling logic Marty used when he allowed Brees to start the final game..."hey, I'm sure Drew will be fine. Nothing bad will happen."


Sometimes the risks don't turn out for the best, and if AJ drops a huge contract on Drew and Drew can't live up to that contract--for whatever reason--it could be disastrous to this franchise.

Does it always come back to Marty? Maybe we shouldn't even have played the game, after all, someone could get hurt. :rolleyes:

[JoeMcRugby]

Yeah, I meant incentives, forgive me: it is late. Do you honestly think Marty would sit Drew just so the organization could save money? Why didn't he sit EP for the last game of the season? :confused:

Of course I don't. But those scenarios are what Condon is paid to foresee.

If Drew can get guaranteed money elsewhere and only provisional money in SD, he'd be foolish to take the provisional money and take a chance that the next game there might be another "Gerard Warren" ready to hit him.

If AJ (actually Ed McGuire - the Chargers capologist / contract negotiator) is offering an incentive laden contract and Drew is only transition tagged, then Condon will be contacting every other team in the NFL. Unfortunately for Drew, I don't think he's going to get a lot of guaranteed money from anyone else.

I foresee him coming back to the Chargers and signing an incentive laden contract before training camp that works for both the Chargers and Brees, but it's certainly not a given.

[TJ21]

Of course I don't. But those scenarios are what Condon is paid to foresee.

If Drew can get guaranteed money elsewhere and only provisional money in SD, he'd be foolish to take the provisional money and take a chance that the next game there might be another "Gerard Warren" ready to hit him.

If AJ (actually Ed McGuire - the Chargers capologist / contract negotiator) is offering an incentive laden contract and Drew is only transition tagged, then Condon will be contacting every other team in the NFL. Unfortunately for Drew, I don't think he's going to get a lot of guaranteed money from anyone else.

I foresee him coming back to the Chargers and signing an incentive laden contract before training camp that works for both the Chargers and Brees, but it's certainly not a given.
Lets hope it can work out well for all of us. :Beer:

In your opinion do contracts ridden with incentives work?

[Thunderstruck]

Does it always come back to Marty? Maybe we shouldn't even have played the game, after all, someone could get hurt. :rolleyes:

I was using that as an example of how choosing to take a risk because "the chance of something bad happening is small" is still a risk, and when it backfires it can significantly impair your ability to compete. I'm sure Marty never seriously considered the possibility that Drew would get injured. After all, Drew had never been injured before. It would have been easy to go into that game thinking, "Drew's not injury prone...he won't get dinged in a game that's meaningless to the Broncos." Marty rolled the dice and came up snake-eyes. Love Marty or hate him, the fact is he gambled and lost. I love Drew, and if you check my history on this forum you'll see I was a Brees supporter even when others here were saying to trade him at the deadline last season. If you check my history you'll also see that I have been a supporter of Marty as our coach. I sometimes don't agree with the way he handles his "depth" players, but beyond that he's a good coach.

The people who are so confident that Brees will fully recover from the surgery aren't taking the risk into consideration. Do you have any idea how many times I've heard people say, "Brees will be fine. He's a hard worker, he'll recover!" and things like that? What's that based upon? Is there a crystal ball somewhere I don't know about? Is Brees not subject to the same biological laws as other human beings?

AJ must consider that risk, or else he isn't doing his job as GM. Giving Brees a huge amount of guaranteed money right now would be like betting on next year's superbowl champ in February, before free-agency or the draft. AJ really needs to make sure Brees is okay before he can reasonably hand Drew a huge contract.

[HeadTrip]

I guess I don't think that is a good analogy because I don't consider starting our starting players an option. There is no chance being taken if nothing out of the ordinary is occuring, unless you are calculating the basic risk of the game and that is unfair.

As for Drew, I think he will get what he deserves this year, dispite (or maybe because of) his injury. He is a good QB and he should be payed as such, but honestly, a lot of players would look good with LT and Gates surrounding them.

[gazork]

I was at the faider forum someone just posted this that chargers are not going to offer brees a contract does anyone know whats going on i think there full of ****


Mortenson reports that Brees is gon
Dude is going to be a free agent, dolts are not going to renew his contract.

If they don't sign him, that would imply that they are not sold on him and their plan is to use who? at Q.B. If it were Philip, they've totally dropped the ball on getting him any playing time these last 2 years - he has virtually zero experience.

I can't believe that they've been stupid enough to not nuture Philip more if they had any inkling of moving over to him. Therefore, I have to believe that they want to sign Drew (and all info on that injury that he has, at his age, point to a full recovery).

[gazork]

The people who are so confident that Brees will fully recover from the surgery aren't taking the risk into consideration. Do you have any idea how many times I've heard people say, "Brees will be fine. He's a hard worker, he'll recover!" and things like that? What's that based upon? Is there a crystal ball somewhere I don't know about? Is Brees not subject to the same biological laws as other human beings?

.

I think that people are basing that opinion on other people's past experiences with that injury and the ability of most of them to recover and to possibly get even stronger in that shoulder area.

[chargersfan1777]

There have been very good reports from Drew's doctors. He is actually ahead of schedule on his rehab. It is easy to come to a positive conclusion from these reports.

[TJ21]

There have been very good reports from Drew's doctors. He is actually ahead of schedule on his rehab. It is easy to come to a positive conclusion from these reports.
I have a feeling he will come back even stronger. Core training, range-of-motion excercises, among other things will do more then heal a torn labrum.

I love your sig by the way man. So true. A "cracked rib" away. If LT hadn't been hurt by the faiders, we'd be national champs.

[Dojo]

Yes, it's true. According to Serius satelite radio they claim that A.J. told Drew to test the free agent market. No franchise tag, no transition tag, no trade. There is a serius chance that Drew may just walk with no compensation. All I have to say is ***? Is this a ploy to get Marty back into A.J.'s good graces? I mean, we all know that Drew is a Marty guy. Or is this to up other teams anty? Or is A.J. seriously not want Drew as our starting qb next year? Or worst, not want Drew on the team?

Message to A.J.- You play with fire and you might get burned.

[mtxsound]

Yes, it's true. According to Serius satelite radio they claim that A.J. told Drew to test the free agent market. No franchise tag, no transition tag, no trade. There is a serius chance that Drew may just walk with no compensation. All I have to say is ***? Is this a ploy to get Marty back into A.J.'s good graces? I mean, we all know that Drew is a Marty guy. Or is this to up other teams anty? Or is A.J. seriously not want Drew as our starting qb next year? Or worst, not want Drew on the team?

Message to A.J.- You play with fire and you might get burned.

Was this on the Comedy channel? I dont see this being true. I definitely think they are working things out. it takes time. Everybody knows what they want, but its the middle ground that they will get. I dont see us letting Drew go for nothing. Even if we have to franchise him they may use him as bait next season, but Id doubt it.

[GOBOLTS4Life]

Yes, it's true. According to Serius satelite radio they claim that A.J. told Drew to test the free agent market. No franchise tag, no transition tag, no trade. There is a serius chance that Drew may just walk with no compensation. All I have to say is ***? Is this a ploy to get Marty back into A.J.'s good graces? I mean, we all know that Drew is a Marty guy. Or is this to up other teams anty? Or is A.J. seriously not want Drew as our starting qb next year? Or worst, not want Drew on the team?

Message to A.J.- You play with fire and you might get burned.



Yeah I heard the same thing on Sirius today... They even agreed that it would be a good move... I am seriously rethinking what a good GM A.J is if he lets Drew Walk... Drew has been in the top 5 of QB's the past 2 years. Drew has shown that with a good O Line he can be the QB the chargers drafted him to be. I feel we are 2 - 3 players away from a SB caliber team. Having Rivers at the helm would be a severe step back... AJ rethink this decision.. I may have to be Jets fan if this happens..

[BoltsfanNYC]

right now the chargers cant afford...!!! a pennington debacle. WE ARE right where the jets were beginnning last season... and the whole line went down... and the starting QB...

we are better prepaired for this though with rivers... WE MUST GET OLINE DEPTH. and better at tackle LBS in coverage... and S who makes BIG plays! then I do believe in our QBS... BY the way I just called rivers we was out playing catch with vincent jackson!

[BoltsfanNYC]

be warned DBs!

[BoltsfanNYC]

I think as long as AJ spends this Extra money... call these guys today..
Bentley C
jon runyan T
demps -
hope S
WE can still goto the superbowl... Oh then DRAFT TOP G-T at 19 then DEFence and mike robinson"!!

[RAWDOGG]

Yes, it's true. According to Serius satelite radio they claim that A.J. told Drew to test the free agent market. No franchise tag, no transition tag, no trade. There is a serius chance that Drew may just walk with no compensation. All I have to say is ***? Is this a ploy to get Marty back into A.J.'s good graces? I mean, we all know that Drew is a Marty guy. Or is this to up other teams anty? Or is A.J. seriously not want Drew as our starting qb next year? Or worst, not want Drew on the team?

Message to A.J.- You play with fire and you might get burned.

That would end AJ's career real quick. There is no way they would allow him to walk without at the minimum get compensated for him. Especially with all the cap room they have. IMO they won't reach a long term deal, but will slap the Transition tag on him. And keep both (PR and DB) in 06:Beer:

[Dojo]

yeah, i couldn't believe it either. It sound pretty far fetched but possible. They said that the initial offer that the Chargers offered Drew was WAY under his value. Imagine how you feel if you were Drew...the 2nd best qb in the league the past 2 years...Pro Bowler...led the Chargers to their first playoff apperance in 8 years...let go after a pro bowl season. I don't think that we'll be any stretch of a bad team with PR but Drew could be trade bait if you're committing yourself to PR. If you're going to commit yourself, commit now, sign Brees then trade him. Get someone around PR to help him succeed. Someone like D'Brick. Letting this go on and on is unfair to Drew, unfair to us, and unfair to the team. Commit yourself to SOMEONE, PLEASE!!!

[RAWDOGG]

I have a feeling he will come back even stronger. Core training, range-of-motion excercises, among other things will do more then heal a torn labrum.

I love your sig by the way man. So true. A "cracked rib" away. If LT hadn't been hurt by the faiders, we'd be national champs.

I think he will also:Beer: He is dedicated to proving himself and isn't going to let a little injury get in his way

[Thunderstruck]

People are picking up the Mortensen rumor and running with it. If they give no source then don't believe it.

This is the time of year when rumors run wild. It was this phenomenon that led to the creation of Joe McRugby's panic button. Push it! Push it!!

[HeadTrip]

yeah, i couldn't believe it either. It sound pretty far fetched but possible. They said that the initial offer that the Chargers offered Drew was WAY under his value. Imagine how you feel if you were Drew...the 2nd best qb in the league the past 2 years...Pro Bowler...led the Chargers to their first playoff apperance in 8 years...let go after a pro bowl season. I don't think that we'll be any stretch of a bad team with PR but Drew could be trade bait if you're committing yourself to PR. If you're going to commit yourself, commit now, sign Brees then trade him. Get someone around PR to help him succeed. Someone like D'Brick. Letting this go on and on is unfair to Drew, unfair to us, and unfair to the team. Commit yourself to SOMEONE, PLEASE!!!

The second best QB the past 2 years? I think you are seriously overestimating Drew's capabilities. I like him, and I think he can be the right guy for the Chargers, but no team is going to break the bank to get him.

[Dojo]

People are picking up the Mortensen rumor and running with it. If they give no source then don't believe it.

This is the time of year when rumors run wild. It was this phenomenon that led to the creation of Joe McRugby's panic button. Push it! Push it!!
I was listening to The Afternoon Blitz on Sirius. It's not really a rumor program, that's why I was interested. If it were a rumor they say it. They also credited Chris Mortenson with finding this out at the Pro Bowl. So there was a source, and Mort is a credible one. scarrrrry. Maybe not time to press the panic button but still scary.

[RAWDOGG]

I was listening to The Afternoon Blitz on Sirius. It's not really a rumor program, that's why I was interested. If it were a rumor they say it. They also credited Chris Mortenson with finding this out at the Pro Bowl. So there was a source, and Mort is a credible one. scarrrrry. Maybe not time to press the panic button but still scary.

Does it sound like a good idea to let Drew Brees test the market if you are running the Chargers? If A.J. Smith lets him do that, he's gone. If they decide to transition tag him and let the league set his value, then negotiations don't have to get ugly. The Chargers have enough salary cap space to match an offer that he may get from another team. If they are uncomfortable with that plan, then just franchise tag him again and play another year under the same circumstances as 2005. It sounds expensive, but there is no $10 million signing bonus to worry about either.

[Dojo]

The second best QB the past 2 years? I think you are seriously overestimating Drew's capabilities. I like him, and I think he can be the right guy for the Chargers, but no team is going to break the bank to get him.
Well, name another qb that could be the second best qb in the league. Lets go with pro bowlers this year. Payton, he's the best qb in the league by far. Plummer, hell no!. Vick, hahaha. Hasselbeck, in the top 4. Delhomme, maybe. Green, nope. In my opinion he has been the 2nd best in the league and means moreto our team than all but one qb on any other team in the league.

[RAWDOGG]

Does it sound like a good idea to let Drew Brees test the market if you are running the Chargers? If A.J. Smith lets him do that, he's gone. If they decide to transition tag him and let the league set his value, then negotiations don't have to get ugly. The Chargers have enough salary cap space to match an offer that he may get from another team. If they are uncomfortable with that plan, then just franchise tag him again and play another year under the same circumstances as 2005. It sounds expensive, but there is no $10 million signing bonus to worry about either.

[WakkaWakkaWakka]

Something doesn't seem right about all of this. Kinda reminds me about the rivers for the 49'ers first pick last year. Something just doesn't really make much sense out of this rumor.

[RAWDOGG]

Something doesn't seem right about all of this. Kinda reminds me about the rivers for the 49'ers first pick last year. Something just doesn't really make much sense out of this rumor.

EXACTLY.....:Beer:

[WakkaWakkaWakka]

Does it sound like a good idea to let Drew Brees test the market if you are running the Chargers? If A.J. Smith lets him do that, he's gone. If they decide to transition tag him and let the league set his value, then negotiations don't have to get ugly. The Chargers have enough salary cap space to match an offer that he may get from another team. If they are uncomfortable with that plan, then just franchise tag him again and play another year under the same circumstances as 2005. It sounds expensive, but there is no $10 million signing bonus to worry about either.


Why the heck have you posted the same thing you just said Verbatim on three other topics?

[JoeMcRugby]

Well, name another qb that could be the second best qb in the league. Lets go with pro bowlers this year. Payton, he's the best qb in the league by far. Plummer, hell no!. Vick, hahaha. Hasselbeck, in the top 4. Delhomme, maybe. Green, nope. In my opinion he has been the 2nd best in the league and means moreto our team than all but one qb on any other team in the league.

Tom Brady, the guy who won a Super Bowl in 2004 (and has 3 rings on his fingers) and had a better season than Brees in 2005 despite his o-line being more banged up than the Chargers and no running game to support him?

Peyton, Brady and Palmer - head and shoulders above the crowd.

The rest are in a mix together, including Drew. :Bolt:

As for the rumor: Y'all realize that if Condon and Brees rejected the long-term contract, AJ could have told Condon and Brees to test the open market while Drew is transition tagged?

Who outside of AJ & Ed McGuire (tight lipped being an understatement with them) and Condon & Drew knows exactly what AJ said to Drew?

Rumors and speculation. Let's wait for the end of this week. That's when AJ stated that the Bolts would make a decision regarding the franchise and transition tag before freaking out.

[RAWDOGG]

Why the heck have you posted the same thing you just said Verbatim on three other topics?

Why is there three or more posts on this sbuject? :rolleyes:

Thanks for the informational post:Beer:

[Dan40]

Threads merged.

[RAWDOGG]

Threads merged.

.....THANX......:Beer:

[SDynasty]

Yes, it's true. According to Serius satelite radio they claim that A.J. told Drew to test the free agent market. No franchise tag, no transition tag, no trade. There is a serius chance that Drew may just walk with no compensation. All I have to say is ***? Is this a ploy to get Marty back into A.J.'s good graces? I mean, we all know that Drew is a Marty guy. Or is this to up other teams anty? Or is A.J. seriously not want Drew as our starting qb next year? Or worst, not want Drew on the team?

Message to A.J.- You play with fire and you might get burned.

we all know AJ is capable of screwing up...remember the dallas game, no gates!

maybe they want to force drew out, who knows?

[dserrano86]

It seems every day that the Chargers are leaning towards Phillip Rivers and allowing Brees to hit the market

The way it seems now, we will be seeing Rivers as our number one QB by training camp

[laschwa]

as joe wrote in response to me in another thread, how is this info getting out?

rumors is human nature. whether it's based on anything is anyone's guess.

remember the strong rumor Rivers for simion rice? Rivers to SF? Rivers to Dallas? Rivers to NYJ for Abraham? and now Drew to hit Free Agency.

what are the odds these days for rumors to be true?

1 in 10?

it be neat to keep track of all the strong rumors and see in a couple of months, how many came true.

for example: culpepper to arizona, chad johnson leaving the bengals, ray lewis wanting out of balt...

[benji929]

It seems every day that the Chargers are leaning towards Phillip Rivers and allowing Brees to hit the market

The way it seems now, we will be seeing Rivers as our number one QB by training camp

How do you figure that?

[dserrano86]

How do you figure that?

I wouldn't be able to tell you because I am not around and don't talk to the Chargers organization and coaches but from reading articles and listening to the radio, it seems that way.

My opinion, though

[benji929]

I wouldn't be able to tell you because I am not around and don't talk to the Chargers organization and coaches but from reading articles and listening to the radio, it seems that way.

My opinion, though

I don't put to much faith in Mortenson or the media anymore. They're just trying to get people's attentions during this football-less month. Letting Brees test the market as an unrestricted FA just wouldn't make sense at all. I guess anything's possible but I just can't see AJ doing that.

[KYChargersFan21]

San Diego has offered Drew Brees what he has longed for his a whole career a long term deal, and ur sayin that theyre gonna let him hit the free agency.......what a rumor. Not only that but we would franchise and then work out a trade.

[Boltz2175]

Nah Mortensen is full of it....we wont let Brees go...not after another great year...the shoulder surgery shouldn't set him back that much!

[ptr77]

Brees is not going anywhere. The chargers won't tag him so if he wants he can find market value for himself and the chargers will surely match market value. Brees wants the deal he's due and AJ wants to play hardball, but any GM will cave when he sees other teams offering a sweet deal to his starting QB. If Rivers starts next year the team takes a step backward, which it can't. Brees is damaged goods at the moment and teams will be reluctant to offer big contracts, the chargers will probably get a deal because of that. You guys are overthinking this if Brees leaves it will be because his shoulder is shredded for good like pennington's.

[TCUFAN5]

The only way I see Brees possible leaving, is if the Chargers slap a transition tag on him but he decides on a long-term contract with another team. However, this is very unlikely, for one Brees likes and enjoys success in the system with L.T and Gates and in the future with a upgraded 0-line, and secondly I don't see many teams offering huge long term deal due to his recent injury.


so why should we??? :confused:

[benji929]

so why should we??? :confused:

We're not and that's why Brees isn't agreeing to a deal.

Looking back at this thread less than a week later, it seems like Mortenson might have known more than a lot of people, including me, gave him credit for. Hopefully AJ and Drew can work a deal out.