<strong>July 21, 2005</strong>
Source: <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp05/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2111324&num=2">ESPN</a>

Brees was given up for extinction when the Chargers drafted Philip Rivers. He took the Chargers to a 12-4 season and stunned those in the organization ready to replace him. He could put the organization in a very awkward position next offseason if he repeats his showing from last year. The Chargers kept him on a one-year basis by giving him the franchise tag. Back-to-back playoff seasons could force the Chargers to start thinking about giving him the long-term deal and trading Rivers after the season.