Today, the San Diego Chargers released one of their starting Wide Receivers, veteran Chris Chambers. And while the Eagles are clearly in no dire need for another pass target, their name was brought up in several discussions regarding who might add him. This comes as no surprise, as many seem to feel the Eagles never have enough quality wideouts, especially a well-known “number 1″. Well, with DeSean Jackson absolutely dominating in his second season and Jeremy Maclin producing just fine as Kevin Curtis’ injury replacement, the Birds are undoubtedly stocked with depth and capability at the position.

However, the Chambers situation was brought into play today upon his release, and it is only appropriate to take at least a brief glance over the topic: Following a crucial catch in the Chargers’ Week 8 game against the Raiders, Chambers was surprisingly cut loose because of what the organization is calling “several reasons”. First of all, San Diego has been developing other receivers (primarily Malcom Floyd) for quite some time, and they’ve begun to emerge as a significant part of the offense this year. Secondly, Chambers (pictured) is due to receive a salary bonus at the conclusion of the season, as well as a boost in base earnings. This adds to the fact that the 9th-year player is 31 years old and not putting up as great of numbers as he did previously with the team. Other factors were likely causes of Chambers’ release, such as the need for a Linebacker and Defensive End rather than a WR. Despite these listed reasons, the receiver himself feels that the team based the transaction off of a personal off-field issue involving his marital status and his relationship struggles, saying this:

“I thought the team gave up on me a little quick — for factors that don’t have to deal with football,” “I guess it created a distraction upstairs. I kept my head on straight. We all go through things. I did my best to not have my personal life and football clash. They know a little too much of my life, and they used it against me.”

Chambers was selected my the Miami Dolphins back in the 2nd round of the 2001 NFL Draft, and spent a remarkable 7 seasons there, racking up a Pro-Bowl appearance, nearly 6,000 receiving yards, and 43 total touchdowns. Considered the ultimate weapon of the Dolphin offense while on the team, the receiver was dealt to the Chargers during the 2007 season at the trade deadline, and immediately became a starting threat for the San Diego receiving corps. However, after posting 970 yards off of 66 catches (combined with the ‘Phins and Chargers) in the year in which he was traded, Chambers’ production dropped annually, as he recorded 462 yards in 2008, and only 122 through seven games this year.

Because of his widely-known figure in the league and overall talent as a professional starting Wide Receiver was it a shock to many that the veteran was released. Such teams as the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens have been listed as likely suitors for Chambers, but the Eagles have also been mentioned, for several feel he would fit into the Birds’ system nicely as a backup, especially with the prolonged injury of Kevin Curtis.

Don’t get too hyped up over this little possibility, for there is just as much reason to believe the Eagles don’t want him for many of the same reasons as the Chargers. Besides, as stated before, the Philadelphia corps of receiver is already proven to be explosive and filled with capable players.

*UPDATE* (11/3/09): The Kansas City Chiefs have signed Chambers to a reported 1-year contract, obviously eliminating the possibility of the Eagles acquiring him.