Unlike most San Diegians, Drew Brees had little trouble finding a new home at the right price. Although, it meant going to New Orleans.

Brees, the Chargers' ex-quarterback, secured a $10 million signing bonus Tuesday when agreeing to a six-year, $60 million contract with the Saints.

That $10 million is roughly the figure the Chargers would have owed Brees if they had designated him as their 2006 franchise or transition player. When General Manager A.J. Smith declined taking that risk considering Brees' recent shoulder surgery, Brees was set free.

For weeks, Brees' impending departure has provided fodder for countless chat-room and water-cooler debates. Still, Smith was comfortable with his decision to let one of San Diego's most beloved athletes head elsewhere, knowing ex-North Carolina State star Philip Rivers was waiting in the wings, even if countless Chargers backers are bemoaning the switch.

After years of searching for a productive starter after Stan Humphries' retirement after the 1997 season, Brees brought stability to the position.

&#8220I don't agree with it, based upon what we were lacking before Brees stepped up," said Chargers fan Shane Lamb of Cardiff. &#8220Now we've got an unproven guy."

Rivers, who has thrown 30 NFL passes, is confident he's better prepared for the starting role than if this chance came earlier.

&#8220No question," Rivers said from his Carmel Valley home, while trying to quiet his two young daughters. &#8220I certainly felt going into my rookie year that as player I was confident, excited and ready to go. But there is no question two years later, in year three, how much more prepared and ready I am to step in and not just play, but perform at a high level that is needed to get what we need to do, done."

Added head coach Marty Schottenheimer: &#8220I think (Rivers) is the kind of player that will develop quickly because of his instincts and intellect and an understanding of what he's being asked to do."

Brees' departure was expected, as Smith had medical concerns about the one-time Purdue star. Brees suffered a torn labrum and partially torn rotator cuff when he hurt his right (throwing) shoulder in the 2005 season finale while trying to recover a fumble.

After January's surgery, Brees was adamant about returning to his Pro Bowl-level of play, boasting he was four months ahead of his rehabilitation schedule. But the combination of his injury and the Chargers being anxious to get Rivers on the field led them to roll the dice with Brees.

&#8220Did A.J. draft me? No," Brees said recently. &#8220Did A.J. draft Philip? Enough said."

Smith actually traded for Rivers, but Brees' point is obvious.

Rivers, 24, is as certain the Chargers' offense won't miss a beat with him conducting it.

&#8220That's one thing I think that is important: we're not having a setback," stressed Rivers, who has never started an NFL game. &#8220Now that I get an opportunity to be the quarterback, I don't want congratulations; that is not what it's all about. It's 'Let's go and let's keep it going.' I have a chance to be a part of a team that is trying to do something special and that is the key focus. Not, 'Oh well, we'll wait around and see how this plays out; the Chargers are in for a bumpy road.' That is not the case."

Brees leaves, but his play won't be forgotten.

After a subpar 2003 season in which he was benched twice in favor of veteran Doug Flutie, Brees followed with a Pro Bowl season. Brees, who threw 27 touchdowns against but seven interceptions, led the Chargers to the 2004 AFC West title - their first playoff appearance since 1995 - and was the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year.

The Chargers, though, weren't convinced Brees should be anointed the quarterback of the future via a long-term pact. They designated him their franchise player, guaranteeing him $8 million for last season.

Brees' encore to his Pro Bowl year was solid. He finished as the NFL's 10th-rated passer, tossing 24 touchdowns and 15 interceptions; he passed for a career-high 3,576 yards. In six games, he threw for more than 250 yards, twice, more than 300. In eight games, he had at least two touchdown passes.

But the Chargers played hardball with Brees, as his injured shoulder allowed them additional leverage. Insulted by the Chargers' offer in a long-term deal which had less than half of the guarantee he would eventually receive from the Saints, Brees didn't hesitate to flee.

The Saints were joined by the Miami Dolphins as the most serious candidates for Brees' services. But Miami traded for the Minnesota Vikings' Daunte Culpepper on Tuesday, opening the door for the Saints to pounce on Brees.

Said Rivers: &#8220I would hope one thing the fans and my teammates can be sure of is what they are going to get from me is a guy who plays with a lot of emotion, that cares as much as he can care.

&#8220I'm not doing it alone. I have a ton of help and I'm surrounded by a lot of great players and coaches. I would hope the fans jump on board and continue to pull for the Chargers and keep us going in the direction we want to go."

Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.