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Franklinnoble · 01-19-2004, 06:06 PM

Seattle, Washington
Opening Game of Pre-Season

Managing for the cap and managing for the bottom line were two different things. Lots of players and their agents were willing to negotiate cap-friendly deals, but they all wanted signing bonuses to do so. Unfortuately, signing bonuses hit the bottom line the hardest, and were pretty much out of the question, so several players with large salaries were simply cut or traded to drop expenses in a hurry. Nobody on the roster was left with a salary of more than $1 million, with the exception of RB LaDainian Tomlinson.

QB Doug Flutie re-negotiated for a low salary and no bonus, so Drew Brees was traded to Pittsburgh for their second-round pick in next year's draft. DT Jamal Williams drew no interest, and was cut. T Vaughn Parker was traded to New England for their second round pick in 2004. DT Jason Fisk was cut, along with WR Tim Dwight, TE Stephen Alexander, and T Damion McIntosh, as none were tradeable.

Rookie free agents were signed to fill in the gaps, and the Chargers now had nearly $35 million in cap space - over 50% more than any other team in the NFL. Now, all that was really left was to play the games and see how the financial situation played out. It would be a bonus if the team actually won at all.

Seattle pounded San Diego 20-3 in the first pre-season game of the year, and Franklin received a call on his cell phone shortly after the game. It was Bruno Triveri.

"Tough start, kid."

"It's only going to get tougher. I don't think this squad could beat a Division II team."

"Well, you've got your work cut out for you. I'll be watching."

01-19-2004, 06:06 PM	#8
Franklinnoble Banned Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Placerville, CA	Seattle, Washington Opening Game of Pre-Season Managing for the cap and managing for the bottom line were two different things. Lots of players and their agents were willing to negotiate cap-friendly deals, but they all wanted signing bonuses to do so. Unfortuately, signing bonuses hit the bottom line the hardest, and were pretty much out of the question, so several players with large salaries were simply cut or traded to drop expenses in a hurry. Nobody on the roster was left with a salary of more than $1 million, with the exception of RB LaDainian Tomlinson. QB Doug Flutie re-negotiated for a low salary and no bonus, so Drew Brees was traded to Pittsburgh for their second-round pick in next year's draft. DT Jamal Williams drew no interest, and was cut. T Vaughn Parker was traded to New England for their second round pick in 2004. DT Jason Fisk was cut, along with WR Tim Dwight, TE Stephen Alexander, and T Damion McIntosh, as none were tradeable. Rookie free agents were signed to fill in the gaps, and the Chargers now had nearly $35 million in cap space - over 50% more than any other team in the NFL. Now, all that was really left was to play the games and see how the financial situation played out. It would be a bonus if the team actually won at all. Seattle pounded San Diego 20-3 in the first pre-season game of the year, and Franklin received a call on his cell phone shortly after the game. It was Bruno Triveri. "Tough start, kid." "It's only going to get tougher. I don't think this squad could beat a Division II team." "Well, you've got your work cut out for you. I'll be watching."