Again, and I said this even BEFORE last season, the Chargers gave up on Brees too early. Now they are in some trouble and will eventually have to decide one way or the other which direction to go -- Rivers or Brees? I think this year is a good year for the Chargers to try and admit their mistake in getting Rivers and get some good value for him, and go with Brees. But, that's just my humble opinion...
Suppose the Chargers decide to commit to Brees, as you suggest.If they trade Rivers now:
1. They take a $13M cap hit for 2005.
2. They must sign a backup QB, which requires more cap money, though perhaps not much. Perhaps more importantly, the new QB is unfamiliar with system.
3. They get something of value for him, let's say one extra first round draft pick. Presumably that player helps the team, but there is more cap money required.
All in all, quite expensive cap-wise.
If they don't trade Rivers now:
1. Rivers requires only about $3M on the cap for 2005.
2. No additional backup QB is needed.
3. They don't get the extra draft pick. BUT, they can use the $10M+ in cap savings to sign one or more free agents instead. Probably a wash, talent-wise.
So it really doesn't make sense to trade him. And, again, this doesn't even address the stupidity of paying Rivers close to $15M to take a few snaps and leave.