Chargerz Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 I'm sorry to see him go.....reliable receiver, great locker room presence, nice guy in general. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PARKER TO BE TRADED OR RELEASED Browns among teams interested in Chargers receiver, punt returner By Kevin Acee UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER June 21, 2008 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. Eric Parker's 170 receptions since 2003 rank third on the Chargers behind Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson. 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. General Manager A.J. Smith declined comment. “We don't discuss our football business,” Smith said. Parker's agent, Jack Bechta, is expected to take a role in facilitating a trade, though he said he was just learning about the situation. “If this is happening, I will get involved,” Bechta said. “I will start taking the lead. With the relationship I have with the front office and the respect Eric has garnered, I'm sure they'll let us participate in the process.” The Cleveland Browns, whose offensive coordinator is former Chargers tight ends coach Rob Chudzinksi, are among the teams that have shown interest in Parker. The Chargers are believed to be asking for a draft pick somewhere in the final three rounds. Parker, 29, had surgery on his right big toe in October and did not play last season. He has been running and doing other drills but did not participate in minicamp or offseason coaching sessions. Parker is healthy enough to play and will pass any physical with another team, according to several people with knowledge of his health. Even after missing the entire 2007 season, Parker's 170 receptions since 2003 rank third on the team behind Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson. Parker was also the Chargers' primary punt returner from 2004-06. But in addition to the injury, Parker has become expendable because of the arrival of Chris Chambers and development of the team's young receivers and punt returners. Behind No. 1 punt returner Darren Sproles, the Chargers have Buster Davis, Antoine Cason, Chambers, Antonio Cromartie, Eric Weddle and others. The news that Parker will be gone is presumably good for Malcom Floyd. Floyd was inactive the final 10 weeks and both playoff games last season. A final roster spot figured to come down to Floyd or Parker. Perhaps Jones, who spent the past three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, can earn his way past Floyd on the depth chart. Jones' 8.7-yard punt-return average over the past four seasons ranks ninth in the league among players with more than 100 returns. Also yesterday, the Chargers released four young players – cornerback Stanley Franks, guard Charles Manu, running back Germaine Race and defensive tackle Keith Shologan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffraff Posted June 21, 2008 Share Posted June 21, 2008 It's expected to see Parker being sent packing. Drafting Davis, rise of Naanee, and trading for Chambers dropped him into oblivion. GM Smith makes lots of good decisions. And one may surmise the big guys do too: San Diego Chargers coach Norv Turner, with Chargers owner Dean Spanos, dining at Nove Italiano (Palms) before heading for the Playboy Club. Norv and Deano getting their groove on. Pictures not available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeeR Posted June 22, 2008 Share Posted June 22, 2008 They won't but I'd like to see the Colts offer a late-round pick for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chargerz Posted June 23, 2008 Author Share Posted June 23, 2008 Wait, I just had a thought! Maybe he'll go to New England like all the other former Charger receivers!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riffraff Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 Wait, I just had a thought! Maybe he'll go to New England like all the other former Charger receivers!!! Plus Seau and Harrison. And we wonder how the Patriots seem to have the Chargers' playbook? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i_am_the_swammi Posted June 23, 2008 Share Posted June 23, 2008 The Eagles have a ton of future draft picks to offer, and they could use a solid PR after drafting WR/KR Jackson to handle kickoffs. Still not the #1 WR the fans would covet, but he'd be a good fit here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McBoog Posted June 25, 2008 Share Posted June 25, 2008 I for one will miss him. He is a clutch possession WR and one of the toughest guys you can imagine. He was never a big yardage or TD guy, but Rvers and Breese used to look for him on third down as much as Gates. I am not sure why this is happening, but wichever team gets him is getting a solid pro and a stand-up guy. I wish him the best wherever he ends up. He sells it EVERY play, not like some of the more famous Prima-donnas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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