Veteran safety Eric Weddle is moving on from the San Diego Chargers, and the 31-year-old wants to appear in a Super Bowl before his career ends.
Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune notes Weddle shared what he’s looking for at his next football home, and the includes a team built to contend for the championship.
“In the next three or four years, are they going to be competitive, are they going to be division winners, are we going to have a chance at the Super Bowl?”
During his rookie season with the club, San Diego reached the AFC Championship Game but lost to the still-undefeated New England Patriots. At that time, the Chargers seemed poised to eventually return.
Eight years later, however, Weddle and Co. have managed three playoff appearances and bowed out in the Divisional Round each time. San Diego has achieved just a single postseason berth since 2009.
Not only was the Chargers’ 4-12 record last year the worst mark of their last 12 seasons, it was the first time the franchise recorded fewer than seven victories during that stretch.
That lack of success combined with an unceremonious end in San Diego — receiving a fine for staying on the field during halftime to watch his daughter’s dance performance as well as getting placed on injured reserve despite being healthy enough to play — no wonder Weddle wants to move on.
Potential suitors that fit his criteria and have cap space available include the Oakland Raiders and Atlanta Falcons. If Weddle is willing to sacrifice a hefty contract in exchange for a better team, among others, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys are smart spots.
Weddle isn’t a must-have free agent, but he’s certainly motivated to move on from San Diego and is talented enough to bolster a secondary on a roster that is truly built to pursue a Super Bowl ring.