Philip Rivers Won’t Be Traded
The Chargers have told quarterback Philip Rivers that he won’t be traded, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union Tribune (Twitter link). Extension talks between the two parties are ongoing, adds Acee.
Though the rumors of a Rivers trade, specifically to the Titans, have been flying for some time, we heard on Monday that San Diego hadn’t had any discussions about moving its franchise quarterback, and were instead focused on extending him. Most reports centered around Tennessee acquiring Rivers, the 17th overall pick, and possibly more draft compensation in exchange for the No. 2 pick. Although the Chargers probably would have had a shot at Marcus Mariota, they presumably decided that either the haul required to move up was too great, or that Rivers was too valuable.
For the Chargers, this news means that they’ll stay put in the middle of round one for now, and probably target either offensive line help or a pass rusher. For the Titans, it means that they won’t be acquiring the veteran Rivers, and can now focus on either accepting another package for the second pick (possibly from Cleveland or Philadelphia), or staying at No. 2, and possibly selecting Mariota for themselves.
AFC Notes: Bengals, Rivers, Mercilus, Browns
Multiple reports and mock drafts in recent weeks have suggested the Bengals could use their first-round pick to add a young tackle, perhaps envisioning that player as an eventual replacement for Andrew Whitworth. As he tells Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer though, the idea of the team adding his potential replacement doesn’t worry Whitworth.
“I’ve always had the opposite mentality,” Whitworth said. “Mess up and draft somebody at my position because you are going to sit around and watch him sit the bench. That’s always been my mentality. I see it as a challenge.”
While we wait to see which direction the Bengals decide to go on Thursday, let’s check out a few more notes from around the AFC….
- The Chargers met with Philip Rivers‘ agent in person last week and are still focused on extending the quarterback’s contract, tweets Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports. If Rivers is still a Charger on Sunday, it should signal that the team is relatively confident it can get something done.
- Speaking today to reporters, including John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter links), Texans general manager Rick Smith said he and the club are still deciding whether to pick up the fifth-year option on Whitney Mercilus. “Whether we pick it up or not, we want him around long time,” Smith said of the outside linebacker. For his part, McClain doesn’t expect the team to exercise its 2016 option.
- On the heels of ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reporting that Sam Bradford wants to play for the Eagles, and Philadelphia is unlikely to trade him, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com says the Browns would still like to acquire the former first overall pick — however, it’s not likely to happen.
- Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com ranks the Raiders‘ top five draft needs, and according to Bair, the No. 1 priority is finding a pass rusher that can take some of the heat off of Khalil Mack. Oakland could use a defensive end and they could very well use the No. 4 pick to shore up that spot. Bud Dupree, Leonard Williams, and Dante Fowler Jr. are candidates to end up in Oakland next season, Bair writes.
- Chiefs president Mark Donovan has signed a long-term contract extension to remain in Kansas City, the team announced today in a press release.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Philip Rivers/Titans Rumors: Monday
As recently as Saturday, Peter King of TheMMQB.com suggested that there was something to the Philip Rivers-to-the-Titans rumors, but his latest Monday Morning Quarterback column throws a bit of cold water on that idea. Here’s the latest on Rivers, the Chargers, the Titans, and the No. 2 overall pick:
- As of now, the Chargers have yet to have conversations with any team regarding a trade of Rivers, Alex Flanagan of NBC Sports tweets.
- After making many calls over the weekend, King doesn’t believe the Chargers will trade Rivers. While he’s not ready to lock that in, he writes that San Diego “definitely does not want to trade Rivers.” Additionally, the Titans would want more than just Rivers for the second overall pick, and the Chargers probably wouldn’t be willing to offer more than that.
- If the Titans don’t get a good offer for that No. 2 pick from the Chargers or another team, they’ll likely select Mariota, writes King, adding that while “they feel good about Zach Mettenberger, [they] would feel better about Mariota.
- An Oregon source tells King that no team scouted Mariota more fervently during and after the college football season than the Titans.
- According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Browns, Rams, and Chargers are the most likely candidates to make a deal with the Titans. However, Rapoport agrees that San Diego doesn’t appear to be interested in dealing Rivers, who would have to sign a contract extension and take a physical to finalize a trade — neither of those things is in motion at this point.
- Rapoport adds that the Browns and Rams may find it more difficult to match up with the Titans, since neither team could send Tennessee an established quarterback like Rivers in a trade.
Latest On Titans, Philip Rivers
Alex Flanagan of NBC Sports (on Twitter) is hearing from more and more people who believe the Philip Rivers trade rumors have legitimate legs. Peter King of Sports Illustrated (Twitter link), meanwhile, seems to be sensing the same thing, though he says nothing is certain regarding the No. 2 pick at this time.
As Flanagan tweets, the Titans have a clear need for Rivers and the Chargers could get out of their financial obligation to him with a trade. Meanwhile, Marcus Mariota would be marketable in Los Angeles, if the Bolts do wind up moving there. Meanwhile, Flanagan (link) isn’t so sure that the Buccaneers won’t want Mariota, which would throw a wrench into things. For his part, King (link) still sees Jameis Winston going No. 1.
All eyes will be on the Titans and their No. 2 pick heading into the draft on April 30th. Mike Mayock of NFL Network believes that it will be hard for any team to pry that selection away from Tennessee unless they’re offering an established veteran quarterback like Rivers. All in all, the discussions have been shrouded in relative secrecy despite the level of speculation going on. Earlier this week, a source told Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego that the two sides have yet to be in contact with one another. At this stage, however, it’d be surprising if that were still the case.
AFC South Notes: Colts, Greene, Titans, Jags
The Colts have thought outside the box as they’ve attempted to round out the bottom of their roster. As Stephen Holder of the Indy Star points out, the team currently has four former CFL players, two college basketball players and a Kenyan rugby player under contract.
The mix of different backgrounds isn’t unusual to general manager Ryan Grigson, who is willing to look anywhere to make his team better:
“If you have elite athletic traits, you can do this. This isn’t one of those specialized sports, like golf. If you have a level of toughness and you can move and you have instincts, if you have those at an elite level, you’re going to get a chance.”
Let’s take a look at more notes out of the AFC South, including additional whispers from Indianapolis…
- The Colts may have a tough time retaining both Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen, but ESPN.com’s Mike Wells opines that the team should hold on to the tight end pair. As the writer points out, the best case scenario would be for the duo to establish themselves as one of the best pairings in the league, forcing the team to re-sign both players.
- If Antonio Andrews has a solid showing in minicamp, Paul Kuharsky would anticipate the Titans cutting veteran running back Shonn Greene.
- NFL Network’s Mike Mayock believes it would be difficult for a team to acquire the Titans first-round pick unless an established veteran quarterback becomes available. “Trading up to 2 is a big deal, because if you look at the old trade value chart, 1 through 4 have by far the highest values, and then there’s a precipitous drop to No. 5 and it gets a lot easier to start trading,” Mayock said (via Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean). “So trying to get up to 2 is really hard, unless you have an existing player like San Diego has with Philip Rivers or perhaps Philadelphia has with Sam Bradford.”
- Michael DiRocco is the under the impression that Jaguars wideouts Tandon Doss, Bryan Walters and Ace Sanders will all be fighting over one roster spot, with the writer giving punt return specialist Doss the early advantage.
No Rivers Talks Between Chargers, Titans?
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.
Extra Points: Rivers, Brown, Johnson
A federal judge has approved a plan to resolve thousands of NFL concussion lawsuits that could cost the league $1 billion over 65 years, Maryclaire Dale of The Associated Press writes. The awards could reach $1MM to $5MM for those diagnosed in their 30s and 40s with Parkinson’s disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease, or for deaths involving chronic brain trauma. NFL actuaries estimate 6,000 of nearly 20,000 retired players to someday suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or moderate dementia. The settlement between the two sides ends a four-year legal battle. Here’s more from around the league..
- A possible trade of Philip Rivers to the Titans is complicated by the fact that Tennessee would have to work out a contract extension in the days prior to the deal, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network tweets. A deal couldn’t begin and end while the Titans are on the clock at No. 2 since Tennessee would need permission from the Chargers to work on Rivers’ contract (link).
- Antonio Brown took to Twitter to explain his absence from the Steelers‘ voluntary offseason program. “Just enjoying my new born Ali can not wait to get back with my teammates! I am dad first and working to be best player I can be,” Brown tweeted. It’s very possible that Brown is holding out for a new contract too, but that’s apparently not the sole reason.
- Andre Johnson insists that he didn’t sign with the Colts just to get revenge on his former team, as Stephen Holder of the Indy Star tweets. “I didn’t come here because we play against the Texans twice a year..I have bigger goals than just playing against the Texans,” the wide receiver said. Johnson signed with the Colts on a three-year, $21MM deal.
- Former Oregon tight end Colt Lyerla working out this spring and is a player worth watching, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report tweets.
- Washington defensive tackle Danny Shelton feels that he could form an “unstoppable” duo with Haloti Ngata if the Lions draft him, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press tweets.
Chargers GM On Rivers, Mariota, Stadium
Minutes ago, Chargers GM Tom Telesco addressed reporters and took questions on a wide range of topics, including the uncertainty surrounding quarterback Philip Rivers. Here’s a look at the highlights with all links going to Twitter..
- Telesco says that Rivers is the Chargers’ quarterback and his “intent” is to keep it that way, tweets Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego. That statement probably won’t stop the chatter, and neither will this one: “I figure at least half of you are here for a Philip Rivers update. … There really is no update,” the GM said (link).
- Still, Telesco told reporters (including Gehlken) that he’d be as honest as possible about Rivers and other matters, explaining, “I’m Cathlolic. I tell the truth.“
- The GM dodged a question about whether he’s spoken to the Titans about Rivers (via Gehlken).
- Telesco said the Chargers are evaluating Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota because “it’s what we do,” Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean tweets.
- Like Rivers, Telesco said he wants safety Eric Weddle with the Chargers long-term, Eric Williams of ESPN.com tweets. Weddle, of course, is absent from camp as he pushes for a contract extension. Even though the interest is mutual, the two sides probably won’t hammer out a new deal in the next eight days. “Right now, we’re focused on the draft,” Telesco said (via Gehlken).
- When asked about Weddle’s no-show, Telesco emphasized that they are voluntary (via Williams).
- Telesco said the stadium issue has not affected day-to-day football operations, but he’s not naive about what is going on, Williams tweets.
- Telesco says he’s pleased with what the organization has got done so far this offseason (via Williams).
AFC West Notes: Brown, Chargers, Raiders
Coach Jack Del Rio says Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree is eager “to create a role” for himself with his new club, as Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com writes. Crabtree had a down year in 2014, but still recorded 68 catches for 698 yards and four touchdowns. Now, after hanging around on the shelf for a while, he’ll look to rebuild his value in Oakland. Here’s more from the AFC West..
- Free agent running back Ronnie Brown told SiriusXM NFL Radio (on Twitter) that he hasn’t heard from the Chargers about a potential reunion. “I haven’t talked to the Chargers about a return. They have a bunch of running backs and are looking for a running back in the draft,” Brown said.
- Brown went on to say (link) that he doesn’t get the sense that quarterback Philip Rivers is headed elsewhere. When considering the production that Rivers provides and San Diego’s young offense, Brown doesn’t see the signal caller leaving the Chargers.
- The Raiders shifted around their depth chart a bit, sliding Taiwan Jones from cornerback back to his native position of running back, as Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com writes. Former coach Dennis Allen put Jones on defense in 2013 and the results were mixed. While he succeeded on special teams thanks to his speed, he never really got the grasp of the cornerback position. Still, with running backs Latavius Murray, Trent Richardson, Roy Helu Jr. and Marcel Reece also on the depth chart, Jones figures to be more of a special teams contributor again this year.
Philip Rivers Declines Extension Talks
The Chargers recently approached star quarterback Philip Rivers with an extension offer, but he declined, according to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego. Rivers, 33, has expressed intention to play out the deal without an extension. Meanwhile, trade speculation continues to swirl around him.
As Gehlken notes, uncertainty looms over the franchise when considering the players they have in contract years and the possible relocation of the team to Los Angeles which could take place as soon as 2016. Tight end Antonio Gates, tight end Ladarius Green, wide receiver Malcom Floyd and guard Johnnie Troutman are also entering their walk years and, along with Rivers, they represent the only holdovers from when GM Tom Telesco and coach Mike McCoy first arrived in 2013.
While Rivers turned down the Bolts’ overtures, safety Eric Weddle is still waiting to have substantive talks about a new deal. Last month, he made his desire publicly known.
“I think I’ve earned [a new deal],” Weddle said. “But it has to work both ways. They have to want it, too. And if they don’t, then we will play it out and I’ll be a free agent next year “I want to be here, but I understand the situation and what they want to do. If I’m a part of it — great. If not, then I plan on making this season a memorable one and we’ll see what happens from there.”
Weddle is currently holding out of camp, while Rivers is in attendance. Both players find themselves in uncomfortable situations with their club and uncertain futures, though for different reasons.