Some Donnie Edwards info from SI

[rajncajn]

Training-camp postcard: Chargers

Posted: Wednesday August 9, 2006 6:07PM; Updated: Thursday August 10, 2006 12:46AM

San Diego, where the Chargers train at team headquarters.

Here's the Drill

 

1. Donnie Edwards isn't shy about discussing his bitterness towards Chargers general manager A.J. Smith. After failing to get the Chargers to give him a contract extension this offseason, the linebacker has been searching for a trade over the last few months. He says his agent, Tom Condon, has found some willing suitors but Smith's high asking price -- a second-round pick, according to Edwards -- is killing interest. "I would've liked for things to be different here but they aren't," says Edwards, an 11-year veteran who has led San Diego in tackles in each of the last four years. "We had permission to seek a trade, we found some offers and now I'm ready to put this to rest. It's time for a change. [smith] has made this a very difficult environment to work in and I'm ready to just go some place where I'm appreciated."

A 2nd round pick for ANY player Edwards age is ridiculous to ask IMO. But I think things are getting bad enough to the point where San Diego will eventually take what they can get (4th) for him. The bad thing for Edwards & his suitors is that likely won't happen very soon.

[matt770]

I agree the Chargers are probably right to not want to offer him a huge extension due to his age, and ironically are asking too much for him in a trade. They obviously think he's valuable but don't want to stick their neck out too much.

 

Anyone shying away from Edwards this year? Either because of age or this situation? He's still rated a top 5 LB on most sites.

[rajncajn]

I think his numbers will take a signifigant hit this year if he is traded because he will be getting into camp late & learning a new defense. If not I'd expect the Chargers to give some of the other guys some time in the middle before Edwards leaves on his own. Either way things don't look good for him this year.

[Vicster]

Yeah, I had Edwards in a dynasty league and his contract ran out this past offseason and I chose not to match the amount bid on him. Just didn't see him being a top 5 backer this year with all the stuff surrounding him there in San Diego.

 

He'll probably still put up numbers as long as San Diego is competing for a playoff spot, but if for some reason, the offense stumbles alot due to Rivers or injuries, then I'd be betting they start to look toward the future some with their younger players and see what they'll need to address in the following off season.

 

Just a hunch for me, but if I'm looking to take a linebacker in the top 10, I'd be much more willing to look elsewhere and let someone else take this chance here.