Failed Negotiations With Michael Vick Turned Into Windfall For Chargers

Published on August 21st, 2024 8:21 pm EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


The San Diego Chargers possessed the first overall pick heading into the 2001 NFL Draft.

This was fantastic news for the franchise, as they needed a new starting quarterback and Michael Vick was available.

Vick was one of the most electrifying quarterback prospects in years, so taking him was a no-brainer.

Just one problem - the Chargers and Vick couldn't work out a deal.

Michael Vick and his team wanted a large signing bonus and a contract worthy of a first overall pick.

The Chargers were perhaps a bit gunshy after the Ryan Leaf debacle, and didn't want to devote so much money to a rookie quarterback.

In the end, the Chargers ended up dealing their first overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons, who were more than happy to select Vick and pay him what he wanted.

In return, the Chargers receiving a number of picks, including the fifth overall pick in the 2001 draft.

With that pick, the Chargers took LaDainian Tomlinson, who would go on to become one of the greatest running backs in the history of the game.

While Michael Vick was very good, LT was a Hall of Famer.

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The good news for the Chargers at the 2001 NFL Draft didn't stop there.

The Chargers still desperately needed a quarterback.

At the top of the second round, the Chargers took Drew Brees from Purdue.

While Brees would eventually move on to New Orleans following the expiration of his rookie contract, the pick was a fantastic one.

The issue was that the Chargers drafted Philip Rivers in 2004, believing that he was the quarterback for the future. This left Brees as the odd man out, and he moved on to the Saints.

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With all of that being said, the Chargers did a fantastic job of adapting after being unable to sign Michael Vick to a deal, ending up with two surefire Hall of Famers instead.