Chargers extend GM’s contract

By Hugo Guzman  |   Wednesday, March 09, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

San Diego Chargers
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SAN DIEGO, California - General manager A.J. Smith was given a 3 year contract extension through 2009, his reward for helping transform the San Diego Chargers from the NFL's doormat to a playoff team in one season.

Smith originally signed a 4 year deal in April 2003, when he was promoted to GM 11 days after his longtime friend and colleague, John Butler, died of cancer. "A.J. took over under difficult circumstances and has helped build the roster into a playoff competitor," said team president Dean Spanos, who in January gave coach Marty Schottenheimer a 2 year contract extension through 2007.

San Diego was an NFL-worst 4-12 in 2003, but won the AFC West at 12-4 last season to reach the playoffs for the first time in 9 seasons. They lost 20-17 in overtime to the New York Jets in a home wild-card game.

Smith has rebuilt the Chargers with 2 successful drafts and a number of mostly low-key acquisitions through free agency and trades. Last March, he rid San Diego's roster of several nonproductive but high-priced players who were signed when Butler was GM, including enigmatic WR David Boston, LT Damion McIntosh and DE Marcellus Wiley.

He then deftly turned a snub by Eli Manning into a windfall. Manning sent word through his father, Archie, that he didn't want the Chargers to draft him No. 1 overall. They did anyway, then traded Manning to the New York Giants for Philip Rivers and 3 draft picks, including the Giants' No. 1 this April.

Not all of his moves have worked out quite as intended. Obtaining Rivers was meant to be an upgrade at QB, but he missed half of training camp in a contract holdout. That allowed Drew Brees to keep the starting job, and he played so well he was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year and was voted to the Pro Bowl.

Smith has said that having both Brees and Rivers is a good problem to have. The Chargers cleared some $21 million under the salary cap for next year, and Brees and Rivers will count for nearly $11 million under the cap.

Smith signed tight end Antonio Gates as a free agent rookie in 2003 and watched him blossom into an All-Pro last season. He acquired WR Keenan McCardell from Tampa Bay at the trading deadline. Smith also stocked up the team with journeymen such as T Roman Oben, as well as LBs Steve Foley and Randall Godfrey.
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About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
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