The only thing that’s clear about the 2010 Charger team is that there are going to be more new faces than fans have seen in years. While the off-season roller coaster ride is just getting started, let’s look at some of the moves.
Darren Sproles (One more year): For now, at least, he appears to be staying in San Diego, after being written off as gone by some of the local media. His price tag to remain with the Chargers is over $7 million, for one year.
While it looks like the Chargers will keep him, they could also be looking to trade. At least three other teams were going to work him out and many offensive coordinators are on record as coveting the pocket back.
As for Sproles and the Chargers, both would like to get a mulit-year deal done. The only problem is coming up with a number. It’s not going to be $7 million a year that’s for sure. But how much will Sproles accept? It’s that the undetermined amount of millions dollar question.
Say what you like about Norv Turner as head coach (personally I think he’s done a decent job), but he’s arguably one of the finest offensive minds in football and Sproles gives him yet another weapon to keep defensive coordinators up at night. With his usual understated candor, Turner refers to Sproles’ contributions as providing a “wrinkle.”
Antonio Cromartie (Traded)- Charger fans now have yet another reason to hate the Jets. Having tired of Cromartie’s shenanigans; lack of professionalism, apparent cowardice in the face of contact, off the field distractions and so on fans were so very done with his act.
Cromartie is a world class athlete for sure, but he’s no football player – never has been. He’s simply a track star in a football helmet and the Jets can keep him. I’m sure he’ll find a much more loving relationship with that giant teddy bear, Coach Ryan. – Be careful what you wish for Antonio.
It’s become clear that Cromartie was avoiding contact on the field because he was more concerned about getting hurt then helping his team win. It’s come to light that some of the Chargers players were tired of his act as well. What a guy.
If the Jets do well or if he is signed to a long term deal the Chargers 2011 could turn into a number two pick. This will sound bitter, because it is, but I’d be just happy to keep that pick a 3rd round and watch Cro and the Jets crash and burn (I told you I was going to be bitter).
Here’s the thing though… Give him $1 million a year, give him $20 million a year it doesn’t matter. Five years out of football he’ll be broke, in legal trouble and circling the drain. There’s a tiny tiny part of me that actually feels bad for him because it’s so clear it’s not going to end well for him.
It’s funny that he was once known for three things: a spectacular interception against Manning in an improbable win, setting the yardage record for a single touch down during a loss to Minnesota and grabbing 10 interceptions in a single year on route to, what appeared to be, one of the most promising careers in the NFL.
To Charger fans now he’ll only be remember as a selfish coward who famously “missed” a tackle in what should have been the biggest game of his life. He’ll be known for, at present count, fathering children to different woman in 10% of the States. Personally I’m just glad he’s not going to be known as a Charger anymore.
Michael Bennet (Cut) – It’s funny that the preseason talk before 2009 centered largely on the necessity to keep Bennet as an insurance policy for the running back position. That policy was never cashed in and Bennet found rare action. It will be interesting to see how the search for running back goes. If they’ll get everything their looking for through the drafted or with undrafted free agents or will they pick up a veteran backup at some point.
Kris Wilson (Re-signed) – Kris Wilson had a good season last year and saw much more playing time as the year went on. He’s a big tight end that is an effective blocker and has nice hands. He’s shown a nose for the end zone and a willingness to play whatever role is asked. The Chargers’ will benefit from his presence.
Alfonso Boone (Re-signed) – The Chargers defensive line was just devastated last year with injury and there seems to be no such thing as too much depth. A healthy Alfonso Boone will mean a lot to the Chargers D-line.
Jamal Williams (Cut) – Williams was sorely missed last year at nose tackle. So much so that it took a four man rotation to even come close to what he was able to do. What a testament to how great of a football Jamal Williams has been as a Charger.
The thought is that the Chargers will try and re-sign Williams at a lower price that he was scheduled to make. Hopefully that is the case and Williams is able to rebound from last years season ending injury. The Chargers will almost certainly spend a high draft pick on a nose tackle in this years draft, but players of Williams ability do not grow on trees. In a perfect world Williams comes back another year and is able to mentor a new lynch-pin to the Chargers 3-4 defense.
Brandon Manumaleuna (Signs with Bears) - Manumaleuna leaving town is a surprise, to this Charger fan at least. His unique combination size and skill will be missed. He showed a steady head for the game and was very effective stopping leaks on protection for Rivers. He’ll be missed, but look for Kris Wilson to continue to shine with more snaps and a bigger role on offense.
As we move towards the April draft there are many questions yet to be answered. With change comes opportunity however. The Chargers will, for the first time in years, be a magnet for some of the nations best undrafted free agent running backs. In years passed, the Chargers got the trickle down from traveling running backs because they knew they would not make the team – they were just looking for a chance for game film. This year it’s the wild wild west for the Chargers backfield and the opportunity is finally open to compete for and win a spot on the starting lineup. All of this will mean an intense competition in training camp, the likes of which Charger fans haven’t seen in a long time. It’s going to be good.
