Back to the issue at hand

[DolFan619]

     That issue being who's going to start at QB for the Miami Dolphins next season?  Guys, do you think we should take a chance on the guy we passed in order to get that amazing stud... or dud for that matter, Jamar Fletcher.


 
ASSOCIATED PRESS

3:50 p.m. February 20, 2006

SAN DIEGO – 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.”
 


  Even with the shoulder concerns, is he worth the risk?  Phil Simms had an injury just like Drew's but after surgery he was throwing the ball like normal after three months of rehab.  Plus doctors have said that Brees will make a full recovery.

Edited By Philly to add poll

[Philly Fin Fan]

       Even with the shoulder concerns, is he worth the risk?  Phil Simms had an injury just like Drew's but after surgery he was throwing the ball like normal after three months of rehab.  Plus doctors have said that Brees will make a full recovery.

Wasn't Pennington's first shoulder injury also the same thing? And he didn't come back so strong.
I wish we would've taken Brees 6 years ago. As for right now, I'd pass.

I'm goign to add a poll....

[MaineDolFan]

I would love to get Pennington or Brees in Miami next year.  No matter who comes into camp as Miami's "would be" QB's there are going to be risks.  Do you feel more comfortable with

Risk A:  Unrealized potential (AKA - AJ Feeley type guy).  Can he play?  Can't he?
Risk B:  A guy that you KNOW has the tools to be a rockin' QB and is battling injury.

Personally, if the choice is up to me - I let my medical staff give the thumbs up on a guy like Brees or Chad and then I get them in here.  I love both of these guys.

[Phishfan]

Chad's shoulder is history. I have a funny feeling Brees will have a tough time getting his in shape as well.

[Sunstroke]

I'd much rather see Brees come to Miami than Pennington, mainly because I agree with Phish on his shoulder...methinks it is toast.

[DolFan619]

     Pennington's shoulder is done.  Two torn rotator cuffs, in two seasons.  Brees has a better shot of regaining his shoulder strength a lot more than Pennington does.  Pennington's is arm strength is now equal to Jay Fiedler's.

[Predatory_Fins]

Heres My projected depth chart at QB for next season.  1st String, Brees and he comes back on fire after that injury 2nd string Gus, he won't win a superbowl but we've had much worse(fiedler,Rosenfels,Lucas,huard,) 3rd string rosenfels, or lemon doesn't matter because they'll be holding a clipboard, and passing out water all season