Eric Weddle returned Tuesday to Charger Park for the first day of a three-day mandatory Mini Camp, and wanted to set the record straight. The safety didn’t demand more money as a condition for staying with the NFL team.
Citing “misleading” comments, Weddle read in a prepared statement, “Contrary to what has recently been said by upper management, there’s never been any financial numbers discussed, and the Chargers have never put an offer on the table for us to consider.
“I never said I wanted a contract right away; I never said I wanted to be the highest paid safety,” he said.
Weddle said he had a face-to-face conversation with Charges General Manager Tom Telesco and was told his age and wear and tear on his body were factors.
Weddle: “There’s never been any financial numbers discussed & the #Chargers have never put an offer on table.” WATCH: http://t.co/lF6G7JfOd0
— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) June 17, 2015
“I’ve been told that I am getting up there in age and have played a lot of plays, and no one knows about my future,” the 30-year-old said.
For those reasons, Weddle missed all voluntary practices and decided to work out on his own at home and spend time with his children.
Nor was the Chargers future home an obstacle to a contract extension, he said in a press conference after practice Tuesday.
“I’d play in Alaska if they told me that,” Weddle said.”Personally, I don’t care where they play. Obviously, I want to play in San Diego, but if they move to wherever, I’m here to play with the Chargers.”
During his absence, he said he worked out, ran and simulated practices that were at a higher tempo than what he did Tuesday.
On his readiness to play, Weddle said: “I have been working my tail off to prepare for the upcoming season, and I feel amazing.”
One of the many reasons why I’m so proud to work for this man @weddlesbeard -Eric Weddle Addresses Media After Day 1 http://t.co/BTXg0UPYIE
— DEC Management (@davidcanter) June 16, 2015
“I wouldn’t have come out here if I wasn’t in the best shape of my life,” he said.
Weddle admitted he was emotionally hurt in the beginning, but said, “Now I am fine with it.”
But his emotions and disappointment were still evident.
His comments vacillated between recognition of the reality that this may be his last year with the Chargers and hope management would change its mind.
“I would be open to anything if they offered me anything,” he said.
“You want to be with the team you’ve been with your whole career,” Weddle said. “I think I have played at a high enough level to earn it.
You never think that it will happen to you.”
If a multiyear contract extension is not offered by the end of training camp, he said he instructed his agent not to speak to the Chargers thereafter.
The safety vows to play his best for his fellow teammates despite the rocky start.
“My teammates love me and want to have me around,” Weddle said.
As for playing on special teams this year, Weddle only said, “We’ll see.” His agent had put out a statement that he wouldn’t play that role.
Weddle expects to play four to six more years.
“I’m getting better, and my body is maturing,” he said.
“My agent, David (Canter), and me have spent the last couple of years expressing the goal to be part of the San Diego Chargers beyond 2015,” he said. “Honestly, nothing would make me happier than to retire as a Charger.”
