Fouts Turns Down Chargers’ Offer of $1 Million and May Be Traded

Dan Fouts, one of the most effective quarterbacks in National Football League history and the undisputed leader of the San Diego Chargers for the last 14 seasons, may be leaving the team.

Team owner Alex Spanos said Wednesday, in a brief statement, that the Chargers have tried and failed to reach a contract agreement with Fouts and are seeking to trade the 36-year-old quarterback.

Fouts said late Wednesday night that he doesn’t know anything about the statement.

“We are not negotiating, we have had discussions about the future,” Fouts said. “I don’t want to be traded. I want to play for the San Diego Chargers and Mr. Spanos and I intend to. That’s why I’m here.”

Fouts has been rehabilitating a strained back during training camp. He has publicly stated that he has not asked to be traded and has not asked for any changes in the remainder of his contract.

Spanos’ statment, issued Wednesday evening, said that Fouts had requested “additional compensation” to continue playing. According to the statement, Spanos offered Fouts $1 million to play this season, which was turned down by Fouts and his agent, Howard Slusher.

The final line of the single paragraph stated:

“Since the offer was not satisfactory to Dan I feel our only alternative is to seek a possible trade for Dan to a team that will satisfy his demands.”