|
|
| 18th February, 2006 - 4:22 pm |  Union-Tribune - Should the impasse between the Chargers and quarterback Drew Brees continue through next week, it appears Brees will be allowed to test the free-agent market and perhaps walk away without the team having any say or receiving any compensation.
Asked what will happen if the Chargers and Brees do not reach an agreement on a long-term contract by Thursday, General Manager A.J. Smith said yesterday, ?I think, looking at it, (the team would say) 'Well, it didn't work out.' ?
Designate Brees a ?franchise player? for the second consecutive year. Because this would guarantee Brees nearly $10 million for 2006, GM A.J. Smith said he has ruled this out.
Designate Brees a ?transition player.? This appeared to be the most likely option because the one-year contract for a transition player is not normally guaranteed. However, a clause in the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement was raised that apparently would guarantee the money in Brees' case, again something Smith is reluctant to do.
Allow Brees to test the market as a free agent, without getting anything in return should he sign with another team.
The impetus behind the Chargers' leaning is their concern about a little-known proviso in the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement that would guarantee Brees' 2006 salary if he were named a transition player.
Smith yesterday ruled out designating Brees as the team's franchise player.
And fearful the Chargers would lose a hearing on the CBA clause in question and that Brees would be guaranteed almost $10 million, Smith also indicated the team will not make Brees its transition player. [READ] |
|
|
Get San Diego Tickets
