Steve Foley Gets Contract Extension

[TEXANS84]

From cnnsi.com

Outside linebacker Steve Foley made such an impact in his first season with the San Diego Chargers that they signed him Wednesday to a three-year contract extension through 2009 worth roughly $10 million.

Foley had 10 sacks last season, the most by a Chargers linebacker since Billy Ray Smith had 11 in 1986. He'll get a signing bonus of more than $3 million.

"They weren't obligated to do anything because I still had two years left on my three-year deal, so I'm really excited," Foley said.

"He's a heck of a football player, so we try to keep our own," general manager A.J. Smith said.

Foley's deal is the latest move by the AFC West champions to lock up key personnel. Wide receiver Keenan McCardell got a two-year extension through 2007 and a $4.1 million signing bonus last week. Smith recently got a three-year contract extension through 2009, and coach Marty Schottenheimer was signed in January to a two-year extension through 2007.

In August, the Chargers made LaDainian Tomlinson the NFL's highest-paid running back with a deal through 2011 worth nearly $60 million.

The Chargers are believed to be working on a long-term deal with tight end Antonio Gates, who capped his standout second NFL season by being named an All-Pro and playing in the Pro Bowl.

The Chargers have been burned by big-money free agents such as David Boston and Marcellus Wiley in recent seasons, so Smith has been going the low-key route since last year.

Foley was among a handful of journeymen free agents Smith signed last spring who contributed to the Chargers' turnaround from the NFL's laughingstock to reaching the playoffs for the first time in nine seasons.

"Our first priority is the draft," Smith said. "The second is, if we've made the right choices and have good players on the team, if they have a few years left on their contract, let's talk to them and see if they want to keep on with the Chargers, before we go buy someone else's players. We want to keep our unrestricted (free agent) list as small as possible."

In March 2004, Foley signed a $4 million, three-year deal with a $1.25 million signing bonus.

He then had a breakout year as he helped the Chargers break in a new 3-4 defense under coordinator Wade Phillips.

Foley's team- and career-high 10 sacks included three against Peyton Manning at Indianapolis on Dec. 26 in a game the Chargers lost in overtime.

Foley also had career highs with two interceptions, five forced fumbles and 12 deflections. His 65 tackles left him just one shy of his career high. He also tied his career high with two fumble recoveries.

"Oh, man, the 3-4 defense is tough," Foley said. "From what I was told, it takes a lot of guys, especially the younger guys, at least two years before they're really comfortable in the defense. Once guys figure out how to play the defense, the whole framework of the defense makes us a better team."

Foley Link

[nunusguy]

And I thought the Charges were supposed to be a second rate organization.
This is a smart move, lock a star player up for a longer term and boost his morale all at the same time.
And I'm still trying to figure out how we let this guy get away - OLB grabbing 10 sacks - sounds like the kinda guy we keep trying to find.

[TEXANS84]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

And I'm still trying to figure out how we let this guy get away - OLB grabbing 10 sacks - sounds like the kinda guy we keep trying to find.

He slipped right through our hands....and that's what makes me so concerned about them re-signing Peek.

[Hervoyel]

I didn't like seeing him go either, I thought it was a wasted opportunity.

[vtech9]

Originally Posted by Hervoyel

I didn't like seeing him go either, I thought it was a wasted opportunity.

I was kind of befuddled when I saw that the Texans had not tried to resign him last year. It took him awhile to get the hang of the Defense, but once he did, he looked to me to be the best option we had on that side. Maybe the Texans thought that Peek would be stepping in, so Foley wouldn't be needed. Whatever it was, I think we missed out on a good player.

[beerlover]

cheeeze people that was the Texans inaugural season everything was in flux, long term planning still like wet cement and I seem to recall Foley could'nt leave Houston quick enough for the promise of playing on a winning football team & making more $$$$. good for him, now lets move on

[MojoX]

Originally Posted by beerlover

cheeeze people that was the Texans inaugural season everything was in flux, long term planning still like wet cement and I seem to recall Foley could'nt leave Houston quick enough for the promise of playing on a winning football team & making more $$$$. good for him, now lets move on

Maybe you're thinking of Jeff Posey. Foley played with the Texans in 2003.