The future of the San Diego Chargers has more questions then answers right now as the state of the franchise is wrapped in uncertainty. So much question, apprehension and doubt surrounds the team as they ready and prepare for the upcoming season. This offseason has been a period filled with stadium bureaucracy, hints of L.A. expansion and turnover of team ownership. Worst of all, fans struggle to find support in their long-established veterans as even their star players may be gone at years end. This article will explain and give up to date information on the situation surrounding the Chargers well known veterans who may be leaving the team at the end of the season.
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All-Pro and 3x Pro Bowler Eric Weddle
Through all this uncertainty, one thing as been made clear; All-Pro safety Eric Weddle will not be returning to the Chargers after the 2015 season. A contract disagreement that could have been easily avoided has turned messy as ownership tries to re-sign its younger players while leaving Weddle in the dark. After talk between team management and Weddle’s agent, an agreement seems to be made in which Weddle will return to team OTA’s, play in San Diego for the season (but cut his time on special teams), then hit the free agent market looking to be one of the most sought after free agents in the league. While Eric Weddle said that he hoped of retiring as a Charger, a contract extension with the team seems unlikely.
While the defense could be losing one of the best defensive backs in the league, the offense could be losing one of its most reliable playmakers in Tight End Antonio Gates. While most NFL fans know of Antonio Gate’s legacy, very few are aware of his contributions to the community and to the city of San Diego. Gates, who is 34 and entering the final year of his contract has hinted in the past that retirement could be drawing near. While Gates will be a shoo-in to the hall of fame once he retires, 2105 could be his last chance for a run at the Superbowl. With many of his long-time teammates and friends possibly leaving after the 2015 season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Gates decided to join them and retire from the game.
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Malcom Floyd
Another long time Charger who could be leaving after this season is veteran receiver Malcom Floyd. After a strong performance in 2014 where he caught 52 passes for 856 yards and 6 touchdowns, 34 year old Malcom Floyd could very well be hanging up the cleats at seasons end. After spending 12 years with the Chargers (his whole career) Floyd has amassed 291 receptions, 4,989 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns after entering the league as an un-drafted rookie out of Wyoming. Floyd’s announcement of possible retirement comes after he took time this offseason to be with his family and decide about the continuation of his NFL career. With the amount of serious injuries Floyd has sustained throughout his career and his hope of leaving the game without harm to the longevity of his life, it looks as though this upcoming season will be the last time Malcom Floyd wears the Chargers uniform.
In the months before the NFL draft, speculation arose that Philip Rivers time in San Diego may be at an end. In early April, reports from the team indicated that Rivers turned down offers at a contract extension as he wished to play out the 2015 season before making plans for next season. Due to lingering talk of a possible move to Los Angeles by the San Diego Chargers, Rivers decided that he wouldn’t want to follow the team to its new city and uproot his family from San Diego. Over the past few months, reports have been positive for both Rivers and the Chargers though as he as come to terms with a possible relocation if that ends up being the decision the fanchise makes. Fortunately for the team and the city, Rivers and the Chargers both want to stay in San Diego so it seems likely that a deal will be done before that start of next years free agency period that will make Rivers a charger for life.
It will be interesting to see what becomes of these Chargers players when the season is over but for now all fans can do is appreciate the upcoming season and enjoy the history these players created. The 2015 season is shaping up to be the last for many Charger greats as they come together for a final run at the Lombardi trophy.
This article A future of uncertainty for the San Diego Chargers appeared first on isportsweb by Ian Sunde