Many have assumed that the Chargers and quarterback Philip Rivers would part ways in the coming months, thereby ending a 16-year partnership. But as Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports, all options remain on the table (video link).
Per Rapoport, Chargers coaches have recently returned to the team facility, and they will sit down with GM Tom Telesco to determine how they want to move forward. Of course, the Bolts could simply make no effort to re-sign Rivers and instead opt to roll with Tyrod Taylor, a rookie signal-caller, or a free agent/trade acquisition (like Tom Brady).
But Rapoport says the Chargers are considering putting the franchise tag on Rivers, which would secure his services for one more season while Los Angeles grooms a young QB behind him (we recently heard that the team is high on Utah State’s Jordan Love). The franchise tag checks in just shy of $27MM, which is more than Rivers is likely to fetch on the open market.
Of course, the Chargers could also see how free agency shakes out and perhaps sign Rivers to a new contract after free agency opens if they cannot acquire an upgrade. But if they do bring back Rivers via the tag or a new deal, they probably shouldn’t bank on a vintage Rivers performance. The 38-year-old showed his age in 2019, throwing 20 interceptions and fumbling the ball eight times.
For his part, Rivers may not even want to return to the only team he has ever known. He has permanently moved from San Diego to Florida, and there is a lot of buzz connecting him to the Buccaneers.
Oof
Twitter says the Chargers already made up their mind, and are moving on
The classless trust fund clowns known as the Spanos family has disrespected a great number of their most notable players/coaches. Seau. Harrison. Fouts. Weddle. Vincent Jackson. Schottenheimer. Rivers is their next victim. Plus, they sabotaged generations of San Diego family traditions to sell out to move to a city that never wanted them. The Chargers will never win anything they seek to achieve. Karma.
I don’t think he wants to be there … that matters … nothing like an aging pissed off QB. Let him retire in Florida and play for the Bucs.
What Florida city is he now calling home?
That may shed some light on his 2020 and/or beyond plans for his career.
Playing as a starter?
Cashing a paycheck as a back-up?
Pro quarterbacks coach?
College quarterbacks coach?
Mr Mom?
(Already doing quite the job of being a DADDY)
Are you mike mayock
The Chargers do a great job of drafting QBs that get other teams to SBs. Kilmer, Brees, Manning…who will be next?