I would not be happy if Brees leaves, but it looks like it is going to happen. This talks about his injury.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20060219-9999-1s19chargers.html
Chargers, Brees at near impasse on the passer
QB says if forced, he'll win someplace else
By Kevin Acee
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
February 19, 2006
Drew Brees is looking at his contract situation with logic, realizing what is reality and maintaining his focus on what he can control.
“It's a business,†Brees said yesterday. “Unfortunately there's not much loyalty in this business. It's really about what have you done for me lately and how cheap can we get you.â€Â
A day after Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith said the team will not place the franchise or transition tag on Brees and will allow the quarterback to leave via free agency if a long-term deal is not agreed upon soon, Brees could stand back and clearly decipher the writing on the wall.
Drew Brees on Chargers management: "It's really about what have you done for me lately and how cheap can we get you."
“By saying there's no way they're going to put a tag on me,†Brees said, “that's basically saying if we don't get this guy on our terms we can do without him.â€Â
He said he understands that any team is going to offer him only one year in guaranteed salary due to the surgically repaired labrum he is currently rehabilitating.
“A one-year deal with a five-year option, I understand everyone is going to do that,†he said. “They want to see if Drew Brees is going to be the same guy – or better.â€Â
But Brees believes the guaranteed money should not be compromised due to his injury. And with the Chargers' latest offer, it is.
“I know where I fall into and what I deserve, what I'm in line to make,†Brees said. “I'm not trying to be the highest-paid guy. I'm just trying to fall in where I fall and be fair.â€Â
Brees played in the Pro Bowl following the 2004 season and would have played as a first alternate this year if not for the injury he suffered in the season finale. Over the past two seasons, he ranks fifth in the NFL in passer rating.
The potential total value of the Chargers' best offer is not believed to be at issue between the two sides. But the heavily incentive-laden nature of the Chargers' offer is not acceptable to Brees.
Brees, who had surgery on Jan. 5, knows the Chargers have voiced concern about his shoulder. He said he is four weeks ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation and seemed incredulous that anyone would doubt he will be ready by the start of the season.
“I can start throwing the beginning of May,†he said. “That's three months until the beginning of training camp. You're telling me that with three months of throwing I'm not going to be back? That's eight months from the time I had surgery until the first game. I know I'll be ready.â€Â
Orthopedists contacted by the Union-Tribune in recent weeks have said Brees should fully recover – given his youth, excellent physical condition and ability to devote every waking hour to his rehab. The only question, the doctors said, is how long it takes for Brees' arm to return to full strength. It is possible, even likely, he will be full-go by the start of the season. But it could take as long as nine months for him to get there, doctors said.
Brees remains as confident as ever – about his arm and about his ambitions.
What uniform he is wearing come training camp, he said, is meant to be.
“I've made it known as long as I've been here that I'd love to stay in San Diego,†he said. “I love the organization; Ilove my coaches. I want to win a championship here. But if the Chargers don't want to keep me, if they want to let me go, I'll go win a championship somewhere else.â€Â
