SAN DIEGO (Sept. 19, 2006) -- The Chargers agreed in principle to acquire quarterback Billy Volek from Tennessee, giving San Diego a veteran to back up first-year starter Philip Rivers.
Volek's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told The Associated Press that Volek was in the process of signing the form to waive his no-trade clause.
"It's a formality at this point," Rosenhaus said. "We just have to take care of that piece of paperwork, then Billy will be on his way back home to California."
The Chargers are believed to be giving up a sixth-round draft pick that could escalate to a fifth-rounder, depending on Volek's playing time.
The trade came two days after the Chargers routed Tennessee 40-7 at Qualcomm Stadium to improve to 2-0. The teams had been talking for days, but decided to wait until after playing each other to complete the deal.
Volek, who played at Fresno State, was chosen the Titans' starter in June after Steve McNair was traded to Baltimore. But when the Titans signed Kerry Collins on Aug. 29, Volek was dropped to third on the depth chart behind rookie Vince Young.
Rivers, a third-year pro, began the season with zero NFL starts and one touchdown pass. In San Diego's two routs, he's completed 33 of 46 passes (71.7 percent) for 343 yards and two touchdowns.
San Diego's only other quarterback through two games was rookie Charlie Whitehurst. He made his NFL debut in mop-up duty Sunday and scored on a 14-yard run with 1:53 left. His father, David, played for the Green Bay Packers from 1976-83.
Volek is "awfully enthusiastic about joining a team with the quality that the Chargers represent," Rosenhaus said. "This is a nice opportunity for Billy to go to a team that is playing very well right now, and has a need for a veteran quarterback."
Officials from the Chargers and Titans didn't return phone calls seeking comment.
Rosenhaus said he anticipated Volek would fly to San Diego on Tuesday. The Chargers have their bye this weekend before facing their toughest test yet, at Baltimore on Oct. 1.
"It's very fortuitous that the club has a bye this week because it gives Billy a chance to learn the system and acclimate himself before the next ballgame," Rosenhaus said.
