"Plain and simple, Drew Brees is no longer with the San Diego Chargers because they were not confident he would recover from the severe injury to his throwing shoulder that he suffered in the 2005 season finale. And as you listened to Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer talk about his former quarterback during the AFC coaches-media breakfast, you couldn't help but have a question or two over the $60 million contract to which the New Orleans Saints signed Brees with. The Chargers decided that turning the starting job over to young Philip Rivers was a better risk than investing at least a one-year guaranteed contract of $10 million in Brees as the Chargers' franchise player, the likely scenario that would have had to play out in order for him to remain in San Diego. 'I am certainly not going to speak for the New Orleans Saints, but if you're the New Orleans Saints and you had Philip Rivers as your No. 2 quarterback, would you have gone and invested the kind of money that they did into Drew Brees?' Schottenheimer said. 'There's an element of risk. I'm hopeful that he's able to come back because I have such respect and admiration for Drew Brees."

Hey Frenzy. I don't think there is a person in these forums thst isn't nervous about Brees' situation. But c'mon....we gotta try and we gotta be optimistic. Unfortunately...this is football where absolutely nothing is gauranteed. Remember Shuler? The golden boy out of Tennessee? Healthy as an ox...stunk up the joint. How about Hobert? Tons of charisma and leadership.....injured and ended it. Bottom line....in this league taking gambles are common place. I know the price tag is biting you too but...I guess all I can tell you Frenzy is.....lets be optimistic about this. Besides....if he does come back in great shape then whats gonna happen. I'll tell you. I will announce my arrival to the Big Easy and make sure all of us meet at O'Briens....and get so hammered from post-season success.

First Frenzy, you have every right to be concerned, but let me get you to look at this another way. Who are the people saying these things about Brees.

1. In this article, AJ Smith, Chargers GM. Now, Smith has not been enamored with Brees for a while, hence the drafting of Rivers. And rightfully so, Brees was stinking. But even when Brees showed he was a pro bowl QB, Smith wouldn't trade Rivers. He stuck with him, cause Rivers was his pick, and his guy. The injury is the ONLY way he can justify letting Brees walk for nothing, and handing the reins to Rivers. Also, there is a LARGE contingent of Chargers fans who are absolutely LIVID Brees got to walk, and for nothing, even with the shoulder injury. So what is Smith gonna say to save face? We couldn't afford him? No. He is gonna say we had a better option, and the injury scared us off.

2. The dolphins. IMO, they're just dealing with sour grapes. Brees would not come down on his demand from them, so they go for Culpepper, and spin this whole fully blown out knee for a QB who relies on his mobility is better than a shoulder injury garbage. Once they said that, you knew it was crap. It was all about money, but again, you have to save face,

3. Brees' doctor. One of the most respected sports injury surgeons in the country. Has put his name on the line to not only say Brees will make a full recovery, but that he is ahead of schedule. Why would he do that if it weren't true? Is Brees gonna give him 5 of his 10 mil?

When you hear these stories, you have to take into account if these people making these statements have an axe to grind or an agenda to push. Both the Dolphins and Chragers do. Brees' doctor doesn't. His rep is on the line. I think Brees will be fine. Until his doctor says something different, I wouldn't worry TOO much. A little, yes.