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Doug Flutie, all 5-foot-10 inches of him, finally has an NFL starting job of his own.
Granted, it’s with the San Diego Chargers, who were an NFL-worst 1-15 last year. But the 38-year-old doesn’t have to look over his shoulder and the Chargers are simply ecstatic to have Flutie after dealing with Ryan Leaf’s many meltdowns and miscues the last three seasons.
"I’m going into my 17th season of professional football, and for the first time I feel like I’m going to be the guy and have an opportunity to take a team as far as we can go," Flutie said yesterday after joining his fourth NFL team in a career that also included eight seasons in the CFL.
Flutie’s deal is worth $30.3 million, with a $3 million signing bonus. He is guaranteed $14.6 million over the first two seasons.
General manager John Butler has now spent approximately $100 million on four free agents, including $16.6 million in signing bonuses.
The Chargers were somewhat interested in Troy Aikman, but had begun negotiations with Flutie before the Cowboys waived Aikman. Since San Diego’s line is less than stellar, Flutie’s mobility makes him a better fit.
Although Flutie was 21-9 as a starter in three seasons with the Buffalo Bills, he didn’t survive their long-running QB controversy. Rob Johnson won out and Flutie was released last week, on the same day the Chargers waived Leaf.
The Chargers are expected to take Michael Vick with the opening pick in the April draft, but concede that the exciting Virginia Tech quarterback probably will be a year or two away from playing in the NFL.
CHIEFS
 Aikman talks: Troy Aikman is considering ending his career the way Joe Montana did: as a Kansas City Chief.
Aikman’s agent, Leigh Steinberg, told The Associated Press that he had "a preliminary discussion" yesterday with Chiefs president Carl Peterson about a new team for the former Dallas Cowboys star.
"It was just a first discussion," Steinberg said. "We plan to have further discussions probably next week."
Aikman, 34, was waived Wednesday after 12 seasons in Dallas. He led the Cowboys to six division titles and three Super Bowl championships.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
Dolphins: Quarterback Ray Lucas, unhappy about the way his stock slipped with the New York Jets, signed an offer sheet yesterday on a three-year, $2.75 million contract with Miami.
The Jets have until next Friday to match the offer or they’ll lose Lucas, a restricted free agent with no compensation.
Seahawks: Chad Eaton, a starting defensive tackle for New England last season, has signed a five-year contract with Seattle.
Eagles: James Thrash, who led the division rival Washington Redskins in receiving last season, agreed to a five-year contract with Philadelphia yesterday.
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