Signing of Jones could signal Parker's departure
By Kevin Acee
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
5:51 p.m. June 20, 2008
The signing of Mark Jones on Friday is not a big deal in and of itself. Jones, a receiver and punt returner, faces a major challenge making the Chargers' opening day roster.
But the presence of the four-year veteran gives the Chargers yet another option at receiver, where they will by training camp be without one of their most prolific and dependable pass catchers over the past five years.
AdvertisementSources said yesterday the Chargers have fielded calls from several teams about trading Eric Parker and that Parker will be traded or released by the start of training camp next month.
General Manager A.J. Smith declined comment.
“We don't discuss our football business,” Smith said.
Parker's agent, Jack Bechta, is expected to take a role in facilitating a trade, though he said he was just learning about the situation.
“If this is happening, I will get involved,” Bechta said. “I will start taking the lead. With the relationship I have with the front office and the respect Eric has garnered, I'm sure they'll let us participate in the process.”
The Cleveland Browns, whose offensive coordinator is former Chargers tight ends coach Rob Chudzinksi, are among the teams that have shown interest in Parker. The Chargers are believed to be asking for a draft pick somewhere in the final three rounds.
Parker, 29, had surgery on his right big toe in October and did not play last season. He has been running and doing other drills but did not participate in minicamp or offseason coaching sessions.
Parker is healthy enough to play and will pass any physical with another team, according to several people with knowledge of his health.
Even missing the entire 2007 season, Parker's 170 receptions since 2003 rank third on the team behind Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson. Parker was also the Chargers' primary punt returner from 2004-06.
But in addition to the injury, Parker has become expendable because of the arrival of Chris Chambers and development of the team's young receivers and punt returners. Behind No. 1 punt returner Darren Sproles, the Chargers have Buster Davis, Antoine Cason, Chambers, Antonio Cromartie, Eric Weddle and others.
The news that Parker will be gone is presumably good for Malcom Floyd. Floyd was inactive the final 10 weeks and both playoff games last season. A final roster spot figured to come down to Floyd or Parker.
Perhaps Jones, who spent the past three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, can earn his way past Floyd on the depth chart. Jones' 8.7-yard punt-return average over the past four seasons ranks ninth in the league among players with more than 100 returns.
Also yesterday, the Chargers released four young players – cornerback Stanley Franks, guard Charles Manu, running back Germaine Race and defensive tackle Keith Shologan.
Olivea suspended
Shane Olivea, who was released by the Chargers in February, has been suspended for the first four games of the season.
Olivea, according to league sources, failed a test for illicit drugs.
Olivea has not signed with another team, though he was close to a deal with the New York Giants this month. It is not clear whether his pending suspension is what delayed that deal.
Olivea signed a big contract before the 2006 season but lost his job midway through '07. The team said at the time of his release he had appeared to lose his motivation.
Contacted yesterday about Olivea, Smith would only say, “We wish Shane nothing but the best. We have gone in another direction.”
