ESPN reporting Brees has a dislocated shoulder and will require sugery.

QB's never seem to be the same after that. Chad Pennington anyone???

Phillip Rivers is a happy man tonight. This is his best New Years ever.

I was very impressed with Van Pelt. Dudes got balls, and he can run.

Maybe SD will let him walk. I'd still take him. Sign him as a FA and you only risk money.

Good point.

This might be our chance to get a good QB on the cheap.

An incentive-laced deal would really limit our risk.

It's his throwing shoulder I presume?

Just reported that Brees' injury was a complete tear and won't be able to throw a football until August. SD is going to transition tag him (speculation).

[Note: I heard it on passing but I think its correct]

Brees: Chargers want to pursue long-term deal

Drew Brees let the secret slip - the San Diego Chargers would like to sign him to a long-term deal.

Brees was discussing his shoulder surgery and rehab during a conference call with San Diego reporters on Wednesday when he was asked if the team had told him anything about his future.

"They want to pursue me long-term," Brees said from Birmingham, Ala. "I know that's something that for the next few months everybody's going to be working on. As far as what's going on up to this point, it's not much, just the very beginning stages. I know they want me long-term and I want to be here long-term."

General manager A.J. Smith, who's always tightlipped about player transactions, at first refused to confirm that he or anyone else from the front office told Brees that.

"We don't have any comment on our business until we're complete with our business," Smith told The Associated Press.

Brees' agent, Tom Condon, said he hadn't heard from the Chargers.

"I know that Drew told me that, but I've had no conversations with the Chargers," Condon said.

A few hours later, Smith called reporters back to confirm what Brees said.

"We are going to try to long-term him," Smith said. "We originally wanted to do this in early February, but I guess Drew was just answering the question honestly."

Smith said he called Brees last Wednesday, a day before the quarterback had his torn right labrum repaired by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham.

"I just felt it was the perfect time to rest his mind that we were going to try to get a long-term deal done, and for him not to worry about it," Smith said. "I told him to just rehab, get better and lead us to a championship. And he said, 'Fine.' "

Brees played last season under a one-year, $8 million contract as the team's "franchise" player.

Smith stressed that the two sides still must negotiate a deal.

If the Chargers and Condon haven't agreed to a contract by Feb. 23 - well before the quarterback is throwing again - the Chargers can retain Brees' rights by using the franchise tag again, or make him the transition player.

As the franchise player, Brees would get a one-year deal that would pay him the average of the five highest-paid quarterbacks, or just less than $10 million. If he's the transition player, he'd be paid the average of the 10 highest-paid quarterbacks.

The Chargers and Brees could continue to negotiate a long-term deal even if the team makes him the franchise or transition player.

"I would assume it would be pretty soon, obviously, because they probably want to get it done as soon as possible," Brees said. "With free agency coming up in March, the franchise-tag deadline in late February, I'm sure that that's something that's probably a big priority."

Condon also represents star running back LaDainian Tomlinson and coach Marty Schottenheimer, increasing the chances a deal would get done before the Feb. 23 deadline. If not, though, Brees could also negotiate with other teams. However, the Chargers could match any offers he received.

The Chargers gave Tomlinson a deal worth approximately $60 million in August 2004, making him the NFL's highest-paid running back.

Backup quarterback Philip Rivers has pocketed more than $14.25 million while playing sparingly the last two seasons. He still has four years left on his contract, which is potentially worth $40.5 million. The Chargers have said that they will have enough room under the salary cap to carry Brees and Rivers again next year.

Brees was hurt in a home loss to the Denver Broncos on Dec. 31 when he tried to recover his fumble and Broncos tackle Gerard Warren landed on him. He tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder, which was dislocated.

Brees will remain in Birmingham for the next few weeks.

He originally anticipated a four-month rehab, which would have had him ready for minicamp. Now he hopes to be ready by the start of training camp in late July.

"Even when you come back throwing, it's a long process just to get your arm to where you have the endurance, and you gradually work from throwing 5 yards to 10 yards," Brees said. "Even once I start throwing, it's still probably two more months or so before I start throwing routes, deep passes and all that stuff, but it's a process.

"I'd love to be throwing in May, and we'll see how this whole thing goes. But really, the most important thing for me is to be ready by training camp."

The Chargers (9-7) missed the playoffs for the ninth time in 10 seasons.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5215140

Brees likely to become free agent

The Chargers are primed to let quarterback Drew Brees test free agency.

San Diego general manager A. J. Smith said Monday the team has declined to designate Brees as its franchise or transition player. The deadline for designating a player with either tag is Thursday.

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.

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."
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5347404

I'd still take a chance on him. Sign him up with an injury clause (for this injury only) in case he can't recover from this injury fully. Then we'd have to address the backup spot again since Joey would be cut for sure.

He'll be the perfect fit here. 4 good young WRs to throw to after Millen drafts Santonio Holmes in the first.

He'll be the perfect fit here. 4 good young WRs to throw to after Millen drafts Santonio Holmes in the first.

you are very synnical. Don't you have anything positive to bring to threads?

He'll be the perfect fit here. 4 good young WRs to throw to after Millen drafts Santonio Holmes in the first.

you are very synnical. Don't you have anything positive to bring to threads?

I'm sorry. I believe if we sign Brees he will lead us to a Super Bowl.

He'll be the perfect fit here. 4 good young WRs to throw to after Millen drafts Santonio Holmes in the first.

you are very synnical. Don't you have anything positive to bring to threads?

I'm sorry. I believe if we sign Brees he will lead us to a Super Bowl.

Now, that's pushing it a bit. He still needs an offensive line and an improved defense.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060221/UPDATE/602210433

Joey is the starter next year

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! LOL@Lion fans.

Brees isn't worth the money IMO. Strengthening the defense and o-line is more important. Joey isn't as bad as everyone makes him out to be

Doctor provides upbeat report on Brees' shoulder

Drew Brees will hit free agency Friday with an optimistic diagnosis for recovery from shoulder surgery.

Brees is scheduled to become a free agent at midnight, even as the Chargers are approximately $17 million under the salary cap for 2006.

Coach Marty Schottenheimer has expressed a strong desire to keep Brees, but Chargers general manager A.J. Smith has said the team's concerns over Brees' shoulder surgery have limited the teams' financial commitment.

Dr. James Andrews released an encouraging medical report on Brees' surgically repaired right shoulder that could allow him to participate in a team's mini-camp in May. On Jan. 5, Brees underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair his shoulder capsule and a partially torn rotator cuff. Andrews deemed the surgery successful. Andrews was able to correct the damage by arthroscopy as opposed to a more intrusive operation with the surgical knife.

Brees suffered the injury in the Dec. 31 season finale against Denver.

"At this point, he is eight plus weeks post-op and is ahead of schedule relative to his healing process and recovery," Andrews said. "He has divided his time here in Birmingham, Ala., working under our shoulder rehab specialist Kevin Wilk along with rehabbing in San Diego."

Andrews said Brees' strength is coming along at a rapid rate and he expects a full recovery for the start of the 2006 season.

"Our plan is to start him on an interval football throwing program at the four month interval, which will allow him to participate in some drills during an anticipated May mini-camp," Andrews said.

The Chargers declined to place the franchise or transition tag on Brees last week, which would have guaranteed him almost $10 million for the season.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2351620

Brees vows to come back 'better than ever'

Where the San Diego Chargers see only a damaged shoulder, Drew Brees sees much more.

Which is why Brees feels the Chargers are making a big mistake in essentially shoving him out the door by letting him test the free-agent market.

"I've always believed that this can be a successful organization, and I believe that the time is now," the quarterback said Friday afternoon, hours before free agency began. "That time is only now if I'm there, I can promise you that. I can't promise you what happens if I'm not there."

Odds are pretty good that Brees, 20-11 the last two seasons, won't be back for a sixth year with the Chargers. As disappointed as Brees is with the Chargers for failing to make him an acceptable contract offer, he expects to reach a quick deal with another team.

"We've already got things lined up, and we'll be rocking and rolling the minute the clock strikes midnight," Brees said from Birmingham, Ala., where he continues to rehab his surgically repaired right shoulder.

Suitors are expected to include New Orleans and Miami, among others.

If Brees leaves, the Chargers would lose a Pro Bowler who led them to their only playoff appearance in the last decade, in 2004. Taking his place would be Philip Rivers, the fourth pick overall in the 2004 draft who has thrown only 30 passes the last two seasons.

With the Chargers already out of playoff contention due to a late-season collapse, Brees tore the labrum and damaged the rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder while trying to recover a fumble in the meaningless finale. He had surgery on Jan. 5. The day before, general manager A.J. Smith called Brees in an attempt to put his mind at ease, telling him the team would try to get a long-term deal done.

Talks went nowhere and the Chargers, who've said they have plenty of room under the salary cap, declined to designate Brees as its franchise or transition player. That would have guaranteed Brees nearly $10 million in salary next season.

Smith recently said the team has "medical concerns," declining to elaborate.

Brees said his rehab is ahead of schedule, and Dr. James Andrews, who performed the surgery, expects a full recovery.

"Of course they made their offer and they called it their attempt at a long-term deal, one year with a five-year option," Brees said. "I understand everyone has their concerns, but I invite anybody to come here and look me in the eye and tell me I'm not going to come back from this."

Brees, who's meshed well with star running back LaDainian Tomlinson and helped turn tight end Antonio Gates into a two-time All-Pro, said the worse-case scenario would be that he wouldn't take a snap this year.

"But there's plenty of upside, and that's that I'm going to come back and be better than ever," he said.

Brees said that even if he wasn't able to play right away in the fall, he'd still be able to work with the younger quarterbacks and provide leadership. Brees was the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 2004, when he led the Chargers to the AFC West title at 12-4.

"If I leave and go somewhere else and be very successful like I plan on doing, they have a lot to lose," Brees added. "I guess in a way, I've laid my butt on the line for them a lot in the last five years. There have been ups and downs, and I laid my butt on line. I wish there was somebody there who would lay their butt on the line for me, besides the head coach and the players."

Smith's name was conspicuously missing.

"Did A.J. draft me? No," Brees said. "Did A.J. draft Philip? Enough said."

Brees was drafted with the first pick of the second round in 2001 by John Butler, who died of cancer in April 2003. Smith was promoted to replace Butler 11 days later. After Brees' dismal 2003 season, Smith took Eli Manning with the first pick in the 2004 draft, then traded him to the New York Giants for Rivers and a handful of picks. But Rivers held out, allowing Brees to keep his job.

The Chargers' offer to Brees remains on the table. "Their value is so much higher than ours," Smith said Friday night. "Unfortunately, we haven't been able to bring it together. Maybe they call us after they make some visits."

Smith's decision to let Brees walk added to the friction he's had with coach Marty Schottenheimer. Schottenheimer was unhappy when Smith traded third-string quarterback Cleo Lemon to Miami for A.J. Feeley and a draft pick during last season. And Smith was believed to be upset that Schottenheimer didn't start Rivers over Brees in the meaningless season finale. Rivers looked shaky when he replaced the injured Brees.

"I know they've got issues that are beyond me," Brees said.

Smith's decision to become a free agent seemingly goes against two of his core beliefs: quarterback depth, which is why he wouldn't trade Brees or Rivers, and taking care of the team's own players first

While wishing the best for the players and coaches he'd leave behind, Brees sagely noted: "They've got to get another quarterback, anyway."

San Diego's other quarterback, Feeley, didn't play after his midseason acquisition from Miami, where he was a bust.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5400074