However, with second-year quarterback Philip Rivers on the team, Smith elected to allow Brees to become a free agent much to the dismay of Charger fans who had considered Brees a fan favorite due to his worth ethic and comeback story.
However, with second-year quarterback Philip Rivers on the team, Smith elected to offer Brees a heavily incentive-based contract which Brees rejected. Subsequently, Smith allowed Brees to become a free agent much to the dismay of Charger fans who had considered Brees a fan favorite due to his work ethic and comeback story.