Chargers Trade Rumors

Ex-Bengal plans a recruiting visit
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September 4
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Willie Anderson was leaving Baltimore yesterday afternoon even as his agent awaited a contract proposal from the Chargers. The 12-year veteran right tackle, released by the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, is comparison shopping. He is scheduled to visit Tampa Bay, and his agent said a visit to San Diego could happen this week. Terry Bolar said his client has narrowed his choices to the Chargers, Bucs and Ravens and will make a decision "pretty quickly." Bolar said Anderson had a good visit in Baltimore and passed the Ravens' physical. "I think he's very excited about San Diego as well," Bolar said. It would seem Baltimore and Tampa Bay have more of a need for a right tackle than the ..."
Hardwick expects to go on PUP list, for a while
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July 24
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Nick Hardwick will likely be declared Physically Unable to Perform today or tomorrow, but the Chargers center is confident he won't be so designated by the end of training camp. %u201CI really feel like I'll be back before that list allows,%u201D said Hardwick, who had surgery on his right foot in March. %u201CI don't want to be sitting that long.%u201D A player placed on the Active/PUP list cannot participate in training camp or in exhibition games. The player can attend meetings and do rehab. The team, however, can declare him active any time before the final roster cut the week before the regular season starts. If a player is on the Reserve/PUP list when the season starts, he must ..."
Cason doubts he'll be in Chargers camp on time
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July 21
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Chargers first-round draft pick Antoine Cason remained unsigned Sunday night and didn't sound optimistic he'd be at the first practice of training camp. “I'm not sure. It doesn't look like it as of now,” Cason said by phone. “I don't know.” “I mean, we're we were making progress, of course,” said Cason, a cornerback from Arizona who went to the Chargers with the 27th overall pick. “I've kind of just heard little details of it from my agent. I just control what I can control, my play on the field.” Cason is the Chargers' only draft pick who hasn't agreed to a deal."
Parker to be traded or released
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June 21
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"The signing of Mark Jones yesterday, in itself, is not a big deal. Jones, a receiver and punt returner, faces a major challenge making the Chargers' opening day roster. But the presence of the four-year veteran gives the Chargers yet another option at receiver, where they will by training camp be without one of their most prolific and dependable pass catchers over the past five years. Sources said yesterday the Chargers have fielded calls from several teams about trading Eric Parker and that Parker will be traded or released by the start of training camp next month."
Miami's Taylor may like Bolts, but the feeling's not mutual
May 24
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor has passed word through friends that he wants to play for the Chargers. It won't happen... The Chargers are forbidden from talking about a player under contract, but sources familiar with the thinking of the team's decision-makers have said emphatically that the Chargers have no interest in the Miami Dolphins defensive end and aspiring actor."
Thomas is latest Dolphins rookie to sign
May 24
Miami Herald
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"It should come as no surprise that rumors began to feverishly swirl Friday around the NFL about potential landing places for defensive end Jason Taylor if indeed he gets traded. But it doesn't appear that any of those rumors have much credibility. The Dolphins have not gotten any offers better than a fourth-round pick, which isn't enough for Parcells to justify pulling the trigger. That's why various reports tying Taylor to the Baltimore Ravens, the Washington Redskins and the San Diego Chargers Friday are unlikely to turn into immediate deals."
Bolts' Osgood no-show for offseason session
May 20
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"The Chargers began offseason coaching sessions yesterday, and everyone was present except three players who primarily contribute on special teams. Kassim Osgood was true to his word and did not show up. Osgood said earlier this spring that since he is not used as a receiver by the Chargers, he would stay in Florida to train instead of wearing his body down here running pass routes. The two-time Pro Bowler as a special-teamer is not happy with his role and has asked to be traded. General Manager A.J. Smith has said Osgood will remain a Charger through 2009, when his contract ends."
Center insurance?
May 5
San Diego Union-Tribune
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"The Chargers are concerned enough about Nick Hardwick not being able to start the season that they are targeting veteran center Jeremy Newberry for a possible signing after June 1, numerous sources confirmed. Newberry is an unrestricted free agent, but he would not count against the Chargers when it comes to getting compensatory draft picks next year if they sign him after June 1. No deal is in place, sources said, but the Chargers are the front-runners for Newberry's services."
Nix has no plans, except to play golf
May 1
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Numerous NFL insiders said in the past couple of days that there will be work in a personnel department somewhere for Buddy Nix. And those who know him say he has for a few years desired to be a general manager. But Nix said yesterday he has no immediate plans to take another job. Back home where the rest of the people talk with his same charming lilt, Nix was preparing to play golf yesterday morning. “I've got no idea what I'm going to do,” Nix said by phone from Tennessee. “It's only been one day."
Chargers' top scout Buddy Nix, 68, retires
April 30
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"A short while after the Chargers completed their draft Sunday afternoon, Assistant General Manager Buddy Nix informed General Manager A.J. Smith he was retiring. At 68 years old, after 15 seasons in the NFL and 32 years before that as a college coach, the travel and other demands had become somewhat burdensome, Nix said. Buddy Nix It remained unclear last night whether Nix actually retired or left with the intention of getting another job."
Numbers game
April 22
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"It would not be a surprise if the Chargers don't exercise the 27th selection, as they continue to attempt to acquire more picks by trading down. They appear, according to sources, to be trying to pick up a second-and third-round pick for the rights to the 27th spot. “I'd love to have two players in the first three rounds,” is all Smith will allow."
Chargers: No plans to move to new L.A. stadium
April 18
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"A Los Angeles developer who announced plans to build a football stadium Thursday is a friend of the Spanos family, owners of the Chargers, but the team has no plans to move there, according to a team spokesman. Edward Roski Jr. has discussed his plan to build an $800 million stadium in a suburb east of Los Angeles with San Diego Chargers President Dean Spanos and also inquired about the team's availability, said Mark Fabiani, the team's general counsel and spokesman on stadium issues."
Falcons a 'contender' for Turner
March 2
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 
"Top free-agent target Michael Turner watched the Arena Football League season debut of the Georgia Force Saturday with Falcons owner Arthur Blank, coach Mike Smith and general manager Thomas Dimitroff. The steady backup to San Diego All-Pro tailback LaDainian Tomlinson is considered the best running back in free agency."
Jets aren't done
March 2
New York Post
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"Surely, the Jets aren't done. They have inquired about Chargers right tackle Shane Olivea, according to his agent, Kenny Zuckerman... With Gibril Wilson gone for riches in Oakland, a safety stopgap could be 32-year old Sammy Knight, a durable 11-year veteran who yesterday met with the Broncos in Denver and will soon pay a visit to the Giants."
Falcons court free-agent RB Turner
March 1
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 
"The Falcons spent Friday, the first day of free agency, wooing Turner, who is considered the top running back available. Tennessee free agent tight end Ben Hartsock also met with the Falcons, and Jacksonville offensive lineman Maurice Williams was involved in contract talks with the team."
Lions show interested in Chargers RB Michael Turner
March 1
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Lions appear interested in Michael Turner, considered the top running back in free agency, although it was unclear Friday whether they would have a real shot at signing him. Turner was visiting Atlanta."
Bucs go to market
March 1
St. Petersburg Times
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"The Bucs also offered a bit of mystery as vague reports surfaced linking the team to Bears free-agent linebacker Lance Briggs... Among them is cornerback, where the team is targeting three of the better free agents on the market: San Diego's Drayton Florence, New England's Randall Gay and Dallas' Jacques Reeves each received early phone calls from the Bucs."
Falcons sort out free agency options
February 29
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 
"For those players whose contracts expire, that's a good thing. They're about to cash in, even though they might not have been starters or full-time players, such as San Diego running back Michael Turner and Jacksonville offensive lineman Maurice Williams. Both could be targets of the Falcons."
Redskins Will Be Conservative In Free Agency
February 29
Washington Post
 
"Some free agents did interest the Redskins, including wide receiver D.J. Hackett (Seattle) and cornerback Drayton Florence (San Diego), but only at value-based deals. Detroit was making a heavy immediate push for Florence, while Hackett was drawing interest from several clubs and lining up visits."
As draft nears, Texans weighing their options
February 27
Houston Chronicle
 
"If the Texans could sign a free agent to start opposite Bennett, they wouldn't have so much pressure to select a cornerback with their No. 1 pick. But they won't get New England's Asante Samuel, who wants $30 million guaranteed. They probably won't be in the running for San Diego's Drayton Florence, who's price is going to skyrocket beyond his wildest dreams."
5 conclusions about Bears drawn from combine
February 26
Chicago Tribune
 columnist David Haugh
"Given the Bears' contract offers to three of their own free agents — Lance Briggs, Bernard Berrian and Brendon Ayanbadejo — that would come as little surprise. As good as Alan Faneca would look at left guard penciled in next to Olin Kreutz, the bidding for Faneca could enter territory the Bears might not believe they have to enter. The same scenario could play out in the Michael Turner sweepstakes, with teams such as Carolina and New Orleans rumored to have interest."
Smith for LB depth?
February 24
San Diego Union-Tribune
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"The Chargers have made a multiyear offer to former San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Derek Smith, sources said yesterday."
Chiefs not expected to go for older free agents
February 24
Kansas City Star
 
"Potential free agents who fit his profile include Indianapolis guard Jake Scott, San Diego cornerback Drayton Florence and Arizona wide receiver Bryant Johnson."
Dolphins' Thomas seeks a winner
February 16
Miami Herald
 
"Thomas said his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has been fielding phone calls from interested teams. Rosenhaus has mentioned New England, Indianapolis, San Diego and Dallas as teams that make sense."
Sources: Panthers entertaining trade offers for starting RB Foster
February 15
Gaston Gazette
 
"The idea that the Panthers are willing to part with Foster is a pretty good indication the team could be preparing to make a play for a big-time free agent running back like San Diego's Michael Turner, Dallas' Julius Jones or Derrick Ward of the New York Giants, or that the team is considering selecting one in the NFL draft."
Panthers Could Certainly Use Turner
February 13
Charlotte Observer
 columnist Scott Fowler (scroll down)
"Then the Panthers should grab a power back to share the load with DeAngelo Williams. My No. 1 choice? San Diego's Michael Turner. Turner turns 26 today. He is stuck behind LaDainian Tomlinson with the Chargers, but he's a 5-foot-10, 237-pounder with 4.4-second speed in the 40-yard dash. He could be the Stephen Davis of 2003 here."
Turner would fit in Carolina
February 8
Charlotte Observer
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"One of the most intriguing potential free agents is San Diego running back Michael Turner, who has excelled as the backup to all-pro LaDainian Tomlinson. Turner fits the big-back mold (5-foot-10, 237 pounds) the Panthers prefer. Signing him probably would mean parting with DeShaun Foster."
Chargers soon to bid Neal farewell?
February 6
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"After the AFC squad worked out here this morning, Lorenzo Neal walked off the practice field carrying his white helmet with the gold lightning bolts. This week at the Pro Bowl could well be the last time Neal wears the Chargers colors, and he knows it. The 15-year veteran plans on speaking with coach Norv Turner next week about his future with the team."
Cowboys' Coaching Candidates
January 25
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
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"One of the potential candidates for secondary coach is Baltimore's Dennis Thurman, a former Cowboys defensive back. Thurman has been the Ravens secondary coach for the past six years and remains under contract in Baltimore...As for the linebackers position, the Cowboys could be looking at San Diego's John Pagano. Phillips did not deny he was interested in Pagano this week. The two worked together in San Diego."
Wilson returning?
January 24
San Diego Union-Tribune
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"The Chargers are close to hiring Atlanta's Ollie Wilson to replace Matt Simon, also fired Tuesday, as running backs coach. Wilson served in that role for the Chargers from 1997-2001 (LaDainian Tomlinson's rookie season) before leaving for Atlanta, where he also worked from 1991-96. Also, the team continues to negotiate new deals with special teams coach Steve Crosby, quarterbacks coach John Ramsdell and offensive line coach Hal Hunter."
McCree and Neal Likely Gone
January 23
San Diego Union-Tribune
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"It is all but certain free safety Marlon McCree will be released with three years left on the contract he signed in 2006. Eric Weddle will replace McCree. The other starter who could be gone soon is fullback Lorenzo Neal. While he signed a three-year extension that gave him $2 million up front back in March, Neal turned 37 last month. And he is not the valued commodity in Norv Turner's offense that he was under Cam Cameron and Marty Schottenheimer."
Bolts dump two – Lofton and Simon
January 23
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Head coach Norv Turner parted ways with receivers coach James Lofton and running backs coach Matt Simon yesterday, and the team is in the process of trying to keep three other assistants. Special teams coach Steve Crosby, quarterbacks coach John Ramsdell and offensive line coach Hal Hunter declined to sign two-year contracts last offseason and are now essentially free agents. Team sources said all three are expected to be signed to new contracts."
MT leaving
January 22
San Diego Union-Tribune
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"Michael Turner walked from the Chargers locker room yesterday for essentially the final time. The backup running back who filled in well for Tomlinson in the final two playoff games will become a free agent at the end of next month and will certainly become another team's starter."
Turner ready to turn it up a notch - on cue
January 17
San Diego Union-Tribune
 columnist Tim Sullivan
"If Michael Turner's time is not yet at hand, the football world will soon be at his feet. Once his Chargers apprenticeship is complete – either Sunday afternoon in New England or Feb. 3 in Super Bowl XLII – Turner will become an unrestricted free agent and, presumably, a prized commodity. It's a pity the Chargers won't be able to realize Turner's full potential, but having him now is a blessing and it could prove to be a bonanza."
Will wins land Chargers a deal?
January 16
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"It worked for the Seattle Mariners. It worked for the Padres and the Arizona Cardinals, too. Now the question is whether the Chargers will be able to cash in on their successful playoff run and land a deal for a new stadium."
2008 Seahawks makeover could begin at running back