Eric Weddle blasts Chargers for lack of negotiations
Eric Weddle has had enough and is speaking out. The San Diego Chargers safety is entering the final season of a five-year, $40 million deal and has wanted to get into discussions about a contract extension. However, Weddle says the team won’t present an offer, despite the front office declaring in recent days and weeks that they have been making an effort.
On Tuesday, Weddle spoke to the media at Chargers mandatory minicamp and let everyone know where he and the organization stand, according to Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com.
"“Despite our attempts to discuss an extension on multiple occasions, unfortunately the desire has not been mutual,” Weddle said. “Contrary to what has recently been said by upper management, there has never been any financial numbers discussed, and the Chargers have never put an offer on the table for us to consider.“It’s obvious that I’m not part of this organization’s long-term plan. The NFL is a business, and I can accept that. I just wish the organization had been up-front with me from Day 1.”"
Although Weddle is 30 years old, it is fairly stunning San Diego does not want to lock him up for a few more seasons. Weddle has quietly been one of the best players in the league, making All-Pro each of the last five campaigns. Weddle has also been the anchor of a historically leaky defense, but now finds himself as part of a talented secondary with both Brandon Flowers and 2014 first-round pick Jason Verrett on the corners.
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Last year, Weddle recorded a +18.9 grade from Pro Football Focus, the best of any free or strong safety in the game. His counterpart, Marcus Gilchrist, checked in 72nd out of 87 qualifying players. A contract extension wouldn’t force San Diego to take on more cap money this year, but only would begin impacting the Chargers in 2016 and beyond. Luckily for general manager Tom Telesco, San Diego is looking at $41.6 million in cap space next offseason, the seventh-most in the league, per Over The Cap.
Going into that offseason, the Chargers are slated to have Malcom Floyd, Antonio Gates and Philip Rivers all becoming free agents. While Floyd and Gates are at the tail-end of their careers, Rivers is going to command top-dollar despite being 34 years old at that juncture. However, it appears Weddle won’t be part of Telesco’s plan for the future.
"“My career could end tomorrow,” Weddle said. “I give everything — and I’m not out here saying I deserve this or that I want this — it’s just that you want to be with the team that you’ve been with your whole career.“And the way to do that is an extension. And I think I’ve played at a high enough level to earn it. And when your team doesn’t feel that way, you have to move on.”"
In a league that throws more than ever, letting your five-time All-Pro safety leave is a curious move.