Super subs Volek, Turner may wind up elsewhere

By: DAN HAYES - Staff Writer
Heroes of win over Colts may test the market | Friday, January 18, 2008 11:34 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO -- Billy Volek and Michael Turner were major contributors for the Chargers in last Sunday's win over Indianapolis.

But those same offerings could lead to the pair becoming former Chargers in the near future.

Volek and Turner, as well as cornerback Drayton Florence, are all free agents for the 2008 season. And while Turner -- a restricted free agent prior to this season -- is expected to garner loads of attention, it may be Volek who benefits most from anchoring the Chargers' game-winning drive against the Colts.

Prior to leading the Chargers to their go-ahead score, Volek had thrown 12 regular-season passes in two seasons in San Diego. Most of his visibility came during the preseason. And he hasn't played regularly since throwing 18 touchdown passes for Tennessee in 2004.

"He had some great moments in Tennessee, but I thought this was the highlight of his career," said Volek's agent, Drew Rosenhaus. "Under those conditions, without L.T. in a hostile environment ... he was thrown into the fire and responded with such poise and confidence. I don't want to comment on his situation in the middle of the season, but it was a huge moment for his stock as a player."

Chargers fullback Lorenzo Neal was equally impressed with Volek's performance -- especially with the general malaise he's seen from other backup quarterbacks during his 15-year trek through the league.

"A lot of guys don't answer the bell," Neal said. "Why? Because they're content to be the number two (quarterback), the three: 'It ain't never going to happen, so I'm just going to get paid good money. I don't need to be ready.' And what happens is they get on the field unprepared and get exposed. ... Billy throws one of the better balls in the league. The guy is a player. (General manager) A.J. Smith didn't trade for him for nothing."

Earlier this week, Volek said he's more focused on studying film, practicing and preparing for New England than his future. The eighth-year veteran did agree, however, that helping his teammates to reach the AFC Championship Game was a personal highlight.

"It's pretty high," Volek said. "It's probably first. It was a game-winning drive. I don't think anybody panicked, we executed and one thing led to another ... I try not to look into the future too much. Right now I'm going to break down film and worry about practice.

"I've had a lot of individual success in my career, but this team success is bigger than any individual success I've had."

Smith agrees that Volek's showing was good for his future. Whether that means a starting job elsewhere, Smith couldn't say for sure.

But strong postseason performances in the past vaulted Jeff Hostetler to starting quarterback jobs with the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders. And though he was 33 and had a less-than-stellar career to that point, Oakland wanted Rich Gannon as a starter.

Most recently, Matt Schaub spent three seasons as Michael Vick's backup in Atlanta before the Houston Texans gave up three high picks to acquire him.

"I don't know what the thinking from other teams is," Smith said. "I have no idea what other people in other buildings are thinking. But are people out there impressed with a veteran quarterback who sat behind Philip Rivers all year and was called into a crucial situation and led us to a touchdown? I would think that would be a plus."

Meanwhile, Turner's status remains status quo, according to both Smith and Turner's agent, Bus Cook -- regardless of the running back's reduced numbers this season.

Prior to the 2007 campaign, the Chargers had several teams as suitors for Turner, who was coming off a season in which he'd run for 502 yards. And even though Turner rushed for 316 yards this year, Cook expects similar interest this offseason.

"He's the same guy he was last year," Cook said. "I think there's going to be a high interest in Michael. I think he's the best free agent out there at any position."

Smith agreed, saying that Turner would be in high demand. He also thinks the Chargers would likely receive a third-round draft choice as compensation if Turner were to depart via free agency.

And though the scenario of Turner choosing to return as a backup for LaDainian Tomlinson -- instead of taking a starting job elsewhere -- isn't likely, he wasn't letting on.

"Anything's possible," Turner said. "I'm not ruling it out. Every year's different. ... We're playing for the AFC Championship and the stats don't matter."

Contact staff writer Dan Hayes at dhayes@nctimes.com.