Options narrow as Chargers rule out tagging BreesBy John ClaytonESPN.comhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2334609The Chargers have all but ruled out the possibility of placing the franchise or transition tag on quarterback Drew Brees, leaving them only two options: signing him to a new contract or letting him hit the free-agent market.For a month, the Chargers had been considering the transition designation for Brees following his shoulder surgery because it gave them the flexibility of keeping his rights but not offering him a guaranteed contract. But an interpretation from the NFL Management Council late this week scared them out of that concept.Because Brees had the franchise tag in 2005 and his $8.078 million salary was guaranteed, the league interpreted two things. First, the tender offer for Brees' transition tag would have to be at 120 percent of his 2005 salary instead of the 2006 quarterback transition number of $8.327 million. That means Brees would have to be offered $9.7 million by the Chargers. Second, there can be a case made that because his principle terms of the 2005 franchise tag was guaranteed, Brees' 2006 transition tag could also be considered a guaranteed offer.The Chargers could ask for a hearing to determine whether that was the case or not, but instead have ruled out giving him the franchise or transition tag.In the meantime, negotiations between Brees and the Chargers have continued all week. General manager A.J. Smith said he wanted to keep all three of his quarterbacks -- Brees, Philip Rivers and A.J. Feeley. Earlier this week, the Chargers worked out a two-year, $2 million deal for Feeley. Rivers is entering the third year of a six-year contract.If Brees isn't signed to a new contract by March 3, he will be a free agent.
yup looks like Brees is likely to become a FA. Here's another article.<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Chargers' Brees likely to become free agent Click here to find out more!NFL.com wire reportsSAN DIEGO (Feb. 20, 2006) -- The Chargers are primed to let quarterback Drew Brees test free agency.San Diego general manager A. J. Smith said Feb. 20 the team has declined to designate Brees as its franchise or transition player. The deadline for designating a player with either tag is Feb. 23.If the Chargers had slapped either of the tags on Brees, he would be guaranteed nearly $10 million in a one-year salary next season. That's too rich for the Chargers, considering Brees was injured in the team's season finale, tearing the labrum in his throwing shoulder while trying to recover a fumble.Drew Brees isn't looking attractive to the Chargers as a franchise player. Drew Brees isn't looking attractive to the Chargers as a franchise player. Brees underwent surgery last month and is expected to begin throwing in May. But whether he is at full strength by the Chargers' July training camp isn't known.Brees and the Chargers are talking about a multiyear pact. But so far, no agreement has been reached and on March 3, Brees can negotiate with any team."Our proposals have not been acceptable at this point and time, but we will continue to talk," Smith said. "Drew Brees wants to be here, we want him to be here. Drew wants a long-term contract, we want him to have a long-term contract. We are working on that and continue to work on it."But the Chargers are confident they have enough depth to reach the playoffs even if Brees walks, according to Smith. Behind Brees is Philip Rivers, the 2004 draft's fourth overall pick, and veteran A. J. Feeley.Brees, who's entering his sixth season, resurrected his career in 2004. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl after throwing for 27 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. He was also the NFL Comeback Player of the Year while directing the Chargers to the AFC West title and their first playoff appearance since 1995.Last year, Brees had another solid season, throwing for a career-high 3,576 yards, the sixth-most in team history. He had 24 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions.San Diego's initial proposal for a long-term deal was shot down by Brees and his representative, Tom Condon.Brees or Condon weren't available for comment.Smith said a deal could still be struck, but only if the other party accepts the club's value it has placed on Brees.The sticking point appears to be the guaranteed money in the pact's first year, with the remainder of the compensation being tied to incentives reached by Brees, if his shoulder is right. Smith said once Brees hits the open market -- if he does -- the price the Chargers are willing to pay will not fluctuate."We already have a value set in our mind; that is not a factor at all," said Smith, who is 25-24 in his three years as general manager. "We know exactly what we do and we have a way of doing our business."And while Smith said he wants Brees back, it was evident in his remarks that he's cautiously optimistic Rivers can do the job.Rivers was a standout at North Carolina State where his 13,484 passing yards were second at the time in NCAA history. Rivers has thrown just 30 passes in the NFL."I really like Philip Rivers very much, except he has never played in the National Football League, except to dabble in it and that is always a concern for all of us," Smith said. "Anytime a collegiate player enters the National Football League, it starts all over again. There are first-round busts and seventh-rounders that go to (the Pro Bowl) every year."</div>http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/SD/9251811
I'm a huge Brees fan, but they need to let him go and try and get some compensation for him. Rivers is more then likely going to be just as good, if not better. The Chargers didn't make the playoffs, and although Brees is a great player..he's still a reason why they didn't.
If they let him roll into FA, then I say Feely should come in and start, or the Chargers better sign a good QB or else they screwed.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (HnM @ Feb 27 2006, 03:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>If they let him roll into FA, then I say Feely should come in and start, or the Chargers better sign a good QB or else they screwed.</div>Philip Rivers?
If they do resign Brees what will happen with Rivers? Will the jets go after him if Pennington is cut ?
