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There has been some talk the last couple days about Donald Butler and where he stands with the Chargers. A few days ago Mike Silver of NFL Network said this on Total Access.
Mike silver just said on NFL network that donald butler and contract negotiations aren't going that well. He feels he's being low balled
— Sportsguru (@AllChargers) February 21, 2014
If I'm General Manager Tom Telesco, I'm doing the same thing. Butler has an injury history that just can't be ignored. Is he talented? Of course. That said, he also isn't worth the money he's requesting.
The following guy, David Canter, isn't Butler's agent, but is obviously connected and was asked a hypothetical, and answered it this way.
@davidcanter hello David. If u were Donald butlers agent, what sort of contract would u look for and what do u see him getting? Thanks
— j-bone (@johnpurcell21) February 26, 2014
@johnpurcell21 heard he wants & will get Ellerbee numbers on the open market. Don't know SD stance
— David Canter (@davidcanter) February 26, 2014
That's pretty significant money Butler wants. Looking at Ellerbe's contract, he will make no less than $7.4 million dollars, and upwards of $9.8 million dollars. Butler missed 3 games in 2013, 4 games in 2012, and all of his rookie year in 2010. He also didn't exactly light the world on fire with his play last year. In fact, he was below average. His play might have seemed better than it actually was, playing on the worst defense in the NFL. Butler wants to be paid like the top inside linebackers(Sean Lee/Navorro Bowman), but has played closer to Rey Maualuga. Not exactly the best argument.
It's refreshing to see that Telesco understands the upcoming market value. The Chargers aren't in any position to over pay for a replacement level player. Would it be nice to have Butler back? Yes, of course. Working the waiver wire, free agency, and the draft leaves me confident that Telesco will be able to find a player fully capable of filling Butler's role. If he going to be re-signed, it'll be interesting to see what direction the Chargers go. He did say he wants to add speed at the linebacker position.
What do you think the Chargers should do?