San Diego Chargers safety Eric Weddle appeared to be relieved after he finally offered a statement regarding his contract status and relationship with the only NFL franchise he's over known.
Weddle, who had been staying away from Chargers offseason work as he sought a new deal, reported for the team's mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. He took the opportunity to read the prepared statement outlining his current stance.
"Contrary to what has recently been said by upper management, there has never been any financial numbers discussed and the Chargers have never put an offer on the table for us to consider," Weddle said, via Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. "It is obvious to me I am not part of this organization's long-term plans. The NFL is a business, and I can accept that. I just wish the organization had been upfront with me from day one.
"That said, I have been working my tail off to prepare for the upcoming season, and I feel amazing. I am extremely excited about re-joining my teammates today and getting back to the practice field and working to bring a Super Bowl trophy to San Diego.
"From a contract standpoint, if we do not agree to a multi-year extension before training camp, I have instructed my agent to not speak to the Chargers again. I will give this team everything I have this year and head to free agency in 2016. This will be the one and only time I will discuss my contract, and I look forward to focusing on football."
Anyone, even Chargers GM Tom Telesco, would be hard-pressed to find fault with Weddle's assertion that he's likely not part of the franchise's long-term plans. Yes, he's appeared in 98 percent of the team's defensive snaps since 2011 - and 49 percent of the special teams snaps - and has been an integral part of the Chargers success during that span, but he's entering the final year of his deal and San Diego has been reticent to engage in talks with him.
Whether Telesco and head coach Mike McCoy were not forthright with the veteran safety about his future, on the other hand, is certainly up for debate. Telesco indicated in April that Weddle's contract was something the team would address at "some point," but that leaves a lot of room for interpretation - though the fact that McCoy reportedly told members of the team to "move on" from Weddle earlier this month likely didn't engender any particularly warm feelings between the two formerly close sides.
Still, despite the impasse and despite his clear unhappiness, Weddle seemed relieved to have said his peace and rejoined his Chargers teammates.
"I'm past emotions," he said, via Acee. "Early on, I was (emotional). But it can happen to anyone. Right now, it's my last year (with the Chargers). I'm going to make the most of it ... I'm really fine with it. It hurt early on, but it's a business. You never think it will happen to you, but it is. I have to make the most it, enjoy my teammates.
"I've said my side, they've obviously stated theirs. I'm here to have the best season ever for a safety and move on from there."
