Kaeding's agent: Chargers owe kicker $1.2 million
The San Diego Chargers are avoiding paying kicker Nate Kaeding $1.2 million in termination pay, his agent told ESPN.com Friday.
San Diego placed Kaeding on injured reserve Monday and plans to release him when he is healthy. Kaeding, one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, injured his groin Sept. 28. The Chargers signed kicker Nick Novak, who has been the team's kicker since then.
Kaeding's agent, Rick Smith, said the kicker came to the Chargers' facility Friday to show he is healthy. The team, however, did not release him. Instead, the Chargers requested he see their team doctor.
If the team releases Kaeding Tuesday, the first day vested veteran players can be placed on waivers, another team can pick him up and the Chargers would not have to pay him the $1.2 million.
Smith contends, however, that NFL rules stipulate that the team must release Kaeding now because he signed documents Friday stating he is healthy.
Kaeding has made 87 percent of his field-goal attempts (180 of 207) in nine NFL seasons.
