SAN DIEGO -- San Diego Chargers general manager Tom Telesco acknowledged last week’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs that brought an abrupt end to the 2014 season still lingered into this week.
“We didn’t play our best football in December, but still had a chance to get in,” Telesco said. “And then obviously when you lose that game, everything just stops. It’s over. You didn’t accomplish your goal, and you’re starting on next year. Typically, it takes a little bit of time for those emotions to subside.”
Because of that, Telesco said he’ll try not to make any big decisions this week as he embarks on Year 3 in the retooling project of San Diego’s roster.
Among the many decisions that remain regarding the draft and free agency in the coming months is the status of quarterback Philip Rivers. Telesco believes that Rivers, 33, is still in the prime of his career. Rivers will enter the final year of his contract in 2015, scheduled to make $15.57 million in base salary.
“I still think he has a number of years left,” Telesco said. “I really do. He keeps himself in great condition. He’s always prepared. And he’s still playing at a high level. Now, anytime you have a star player that’s into his 30s, in my position you always have your eye on who’s the next guy. But I feel good about where Philip is.”
To that end, the team and Rivers likely will be discussing a possible contract extension during the offseason.
“We’re committed to make sure that Philip retires as a Charger,” Telesco said. “So we’ll go from there.”
So does that mean a new contract?
“At the appropriate time we’ll get to it,” Telesco said.
The Chargers have 17 players expected to hit free agency in March. Along with ensuring that Rivers stays in San Diego long term, Telesco’s top targets as far as soon-to-be free agents include left tackle King Dunlap and cornerback Brandon Flowers.
Ryan Mathews’ future also will be widely debated inside the walls of Chargers Park. The 27-year-old running back played in just six games this year due to knee and ankle injuries. But when he did play, Mathews was effective, while free-agent addition Donald Brown struggled in his first year with the Chargers.
Even though his 2015 base salary of $3 million is not guaranteed, Telesco said Brown will be back next year, and that he likes the overall talent at the running back position on the roster.
“He’s got some big-play ability,” Telesco said of Brown. “You probably didn’t see enough of that this year, but it’s there. And I feel good about it, and I’m glad he’s here.”
In regards to Mathews, Telesco said the team will take some time to study his status, along with other pending free agents.
“We have a lot of questions that have to be answered in the offseason with Ryan and a number of our free agents,” Telesco said. “We know what Ryan brings to us. He’s a great kid. And we’ll take our time to decide what to do with all of our guys.”
Some other tidbits:
Telesco said he’s comfortable with D.J. Fluker remaining at right tackle moving forward, although he acknowledged he has the versatility to move inside and would make a good guard. Telesco also said not having a veteran like Jeromey Clary next to him affected Fluker’s play.
Telesco said assistants do not need permission to talk to other teams about jobs once the season is over, so the Chargers did not have to grant permission for offensive coordinator Frank Reich to talk to the New York Jets about that team’s vacant head-coaching position. Telesco selfishly hopes Reich stays in San Diego.
Chris Watt did a good job playing center, according to Telesco, and has value because he can play both center and guard. Telesco said the team still has to decide what Watt’s best spot is on the team moving forward.
Telesco said the play of the defensive backfield overall was improved this season from 2013, and indicated that both cornerbacks Shareece Wright and Flowers had solid seasons. Both players will be free agents in March.
Finding a big-time return specialist remains a priority, although Chris Davis showed flashes as a kick return guy.
