Outside of perhaps Adrian Peterson, no veteran Pro Bowler has been mentioned more as a potential trade candidate within the last few weeks as Philip Rivers. However, a source tells Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune that the Chargers have yet to discuss a Rivers trade with the team most frequently linked to the veteran signal-caller. According to Gehlken, there has been no contact between the Chargers and Titans, and no discussion of a Rivers deal between the two sides “at all.”
As Gehklen cautions, deals can materialize quickly in the NFL — Rex Ryan told reporters last month that the Bills’ acquisition of LeSean McCoy came together in about a half hour. So even if the source is right, and the Chargers and Titans haven’t engaged in any trade discussions yet, it doesn’t mean they won’t within the next week, or even on draft night.
Still, a trade involving the second overall pick and a franchise quarterback is the sort of move that would likely require plenty of discussion, especially since the Titans would probably want a chance to talk to Rivers about a potential contract extension before agreeing to any sort of deal. So if there have been no negotiations at this point, it lends credence to the theory that all the whispers and rumors are just part of a “mating dance” between the Rivers and the Chargers as they work toward a new contract.
General manager Tom Telesco and the Chargers have insisted all along that they want Rivers to remain with the franchise, and eventually retire with the club. Still, the quarterback’s contract expires after the 2015 season, and a recent report indicated that he plans to play out the season before talking about a new deal. The possibility of relocation for the Chargers could also play a significant role in those contract discussions, since Rivers reportedly doesn’t love the idea of making the move to Los Angeles.