GM dismisses Rivers trade talk By Jim Trotter UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER December 10, 2004
Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith yesterday quashed speculation he will try to trade rookie quarterback Philip Rivers and his $40.5 million contract before March 10, when Rivers is scheduled to receive a $6.6 million option bonus.
"Those rumors are false," Smith said. "Normally we don't discuss our football business, but when it becomes obvious that something is as absurd as that, I'll respond to it."
The rumors could have been wishful thinking on the part of general managers in need of a front-line quarterback. Because starter Drew Brees has played so well and is to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, there was chatter around the league that the Chargers might try to sign him to a long-term contract, then trade Rivers before March 10 to get out from under his contract and avoid paying the option bonus.
Three problems: The organization would like to see Brees play at an elite level for more than one year before considering a long-term deal; the club remains strong in its belief that Rivers will be a special quarterback, and dealing him before next season would leave the Chargers without immediate and long-term protection at the position should Brees struggle; and the organization would take a salary-cap hit of nearly $6.5 million in 2005 if it traded Rivers before March 10. The hit climbs above $10 million if a deal is made next year after the 10th.
Bucs GM unsurprised
Others might be surprised by the success the 9-3 Chargers are having, but Tampa Bay General Manager Bruce Allen isn't one of them. "I'm surprised that others are surprised," he said. "(Smith) is very good at what he does and, obviously, he takes everything he does very seriously."
Allen and Smith are longtime friends, dating to their time together with the USFL's Chicago Blitz in the early 1980s. Smith said it's coincidence that two of the players who have had a big impact on the Chargers this season – left tackle Roman Oben and wideout Keenan McCardell – were acquired in trades with Allen.
"When you do a trade, that doesn't mean anything," Smith said of his friendship. "You're trying to do what's best for your team. But I do like dealing with somebody I'm friends with; it made it a little more enjoyable . . . But it's about business."
Smith, who is in the running for NFL Executive of the Year, said Allen was one of his biggest boosters even before he got the job with the Chargers.
"He used to say to me all the time that I was the best-kept secret in the NFL," Smith said.
Nuts 'n' Bolts Chargers wives will hold their 14th annual "Toys for Tots" drive Sunday. Fans are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the game . . . Jesse Chatman (toe), Sammy Davis (leg), Tim Dwight (foot) and Hanik Milligan (hamstring) did not practice.
Brandon777 wrote:That sucks. I wish we could get him.
your joking right ???? he is unproven and it is only one year .... he is having a good year but i still would NOT want him on this team ....maybe if he puts two three good years together then i might have a change of heart.
Brandon777 wrote:That sucks. I wish we could get him.
B777 is talking about Rivers
redskinz4ever wrote:your joking right ???? he is unproven and it is only one year .... he is having a good year but i still would NOT want him on this team ....maybe if he puts two three good years together then i might have a change of heart.
RS4E is talking about Brees
The Chargers will keep them both if the are smart
Rivers hasn't played a down and Brees may have just been playing for a contract.
I'd take my chances with Ramsey if it were up to me
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When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hold on....
BossHog wrote:Get Rivers? A guy who has absolutely no experience... and you think we should get him based on his career at NC....
My credibility meter is going bananas...
Wow. Did I say something that funny? Were you this amused when we drafted Ramsey from Tulane. He didn't have NFL experience. If I'm not mistaken, Tulane was on the verge of closing down their football program.
Well anyways, every QB has to start at the beginning as far as NFL experience goes. Brunell has a ton of experience but look what happened. Then look at Big Ben. Rivers was a very accurate passer, managed the games well, made smart decisions, and could read defenses very well. Yeah, this all happened in college but I'm sure that at least some of it would carry over to the NFL. If I'm not mistaken, he beat McNabb's record in college for the most consecutive starts, so that means he's durable.
It doesn't matter anyway. The Chargers won't be trading him anytime soon and it's up to Gibbs on who he wants to get next year. If he feels we need a QB then he'll get one. If he doesn't he won't. I don't think Gibbs comes here and listens to us on what he should do. Then again, he seemed to listen to the booing at Fed Ex when he decided to bench Brunell. I just hope Rivers doesn't end up in Dallas.
Let us all gather around and drink the ey-Aid of the Redskins.
ey-Aid of the Redskins.
. I followed his career at NC State. He's a great talent. I hate seeing it go to waste on a bench.
