SAN DIEGO, March 5 (UPI) -- The San Diego Chargers announced Wednesday they have reached an agreement in principle with David Boston, the most sought after wide receiver on the free agent market, to a seven-year contract.
Boston reportedly received more than $40 million.
"We believe David Boston is one of the top receivers in the National Football League," said Chargers Coach Marty Schottenheimer. "He has remarkable play-making abilities and we're delighted to have him be part of what we're doing. He brings to our offense what we consider to be the potential for big plays that few guys in this league bring."
Boston, 24, spent his first four years in Arizona and led the NFL with 1,598 yards on 98 catches in 2001. He suffered knee and foot problems in 2002, missing half the season but still caught 32 passes for 512 yards.
The 6-2, 236-pound Boston is perhaps the league's most physically imposing receiver. He underwent surgery to repair a torn patella tendon on his right knee on Nov. 20, but was given a clean bill of health.
San Diego will count on Boston to provide a sorely needed deep threat for young quarterback Brees and prevent defenses from stacking the line against LaDainian Tomlinson, who rushed for 1,683 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
"LaDainian Tomlinson is a great running back and Drew Brees is an up-and-coming quarterback," Boston said. "There's a lot of talent and adding me to the equation will only put defenses in a tough predicament. I'm glad to be around a team that's ready to win. That's the biggest thing for me now."
In Boston's four years in Arizona, the Cardinals failed to make the playoffs and compiled a record of 21-43. However, in that span the Chargers were just 22-42, although the hiring of Schottenheimer in 2001 and the emergence of Tomlinson has made the future promising.
The eighth overall pick in the 1999 draft, Boston had 241 receptions for 3,277 yards and 18 touchdowns with Arizona.
