Peelle began his professional career in 2002, when he was a fourth-round selection (103rd overall) by the San Diego Chargers and their general manager John Butler in the 2002 NFL draft.

His first NFL reception came on a two-yard pass from quarterback Drew Brees against the San Francisco 49ers on November 17.

His lone scoring catch of the year came on a seven-yard grab from Brees in the back of the end zone the following week at the Oakland Raiders, marking his first NFL touchdown reception.

He was inactive for game at the Detroit Lions on December 7 with a concussion sustained the previous week against the Kansas City Chiefs.

He totaled 10 receptions for 84 yards and a pair of scores on the season and recorded four stops on special teams.

Peelle tallied his longest scoring reception of his NFL career in a 42–14 victory over the Raiders on October 31 with a 17-yard grab from Brees.

Peelle had three receptions for a career-best 34 yards in first-round playoff game against the New York Jets on January 8, 2005.

He had his most productive day of season at the Raiders on October 16 when he caught three passes for 20 yards, including a four-yard touchdown reception from running back LaDainian Tomlinson in the Chargers’ 27–14 victory.

This was due to the team's increased use of two-tight end sets, which created more time for Peelle and less for fullback Darian Barnes.

He was inactive once (on October 15 at the New York Jets) with a knee injury, allowing tight end Jason Rader to make the first start of his career.

On November 19 against the Minnesota Vikings, Peelle had three catches for 21 yards and one touchdown, coming on an 11-yard pass from former Oregon teammate Joey Harrington.

The team released tight end Jason Rader to make room for Peelle on the roster.