It’s official: Philip Rivers is leaving the franchise he’s called home for 16 seasons.
The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Monday that Rivers is off to free agency and won’t be back with the Bolts.
It was a pretty rough season for the 38-year-old usually known for his dependability. A year after tossing 32 touchdowns with just 12 interceptions, he threw 20 picks and just 23 scores.
So what does he do now? That’s a big question. There are some teams out there who could be looking for a vet to take the starting spot while a younger QB learns … or competitive franchises looking for a one- or two-year option. Let’s break down what he could do:
“In anything you do, it’s the people you do it with that make it special. There are so many relationships and memories with coaches, support staff and teammates that will last forever, and for that I am so thankful."
Philip Rivers to Enter Free Agency » https://t.co/njeTsCbi1D pic.twitter.com/bCKXKTRePh
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) February 10, 2020
1. Sign with the Indianapolis Colts
If he wants a ring, here’s his best shot. The question is: what’s the guarantee that he’ll start with Jacoby Brissett still around? And is Rivers really that much of an upgrade, especially after it looked like his arm strength wasn’t what it used to be? A lot of question marks swirling here, both for the QB and the franchise.
2. Sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Hey, here’s an idea: let one quarterback who turned the ball over at a record rate walk, and sign another QB who struggled with INTs last year!
If the Bucs think they aren’t bringing back Jameis Winston, Rivers is a stopgap option. Also, he just moved to Florida …
Phillip Rivers has confirmed to @AdamSchefter and me that he and his family have moved out of his San Diego home to Florida. His text: "What this means football wise is to be determined but it was time for us to move back closer to home."
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 19, 2020
3. Sign with the New England Patriots
This is the “if Tom Brady leaves” option.
4. Sign with the Carolina Panthers
This is the “if Cam Newton is out” option.
5. Retire and go into broadcasting
Back in 2017, I asked CBS and Good Morning Football analyst Nate Burleson for some names of current players who could be the next Tony Romo. He threw out Rivers’ name:
“The guy wears a Bolo tie and has like eight kids. He’s been living in San Diego but still has a country twang. I don’t get Rivers! I love him to death. He constantly has a smile on his face, talks trash, he would be money on TV.”
However, Rivers had this to say that same year, via ESPN:
“It’s so funny because I enjoy talking football and doing all of that. I just don’t think I’ll ever go that route. Again, I’m never going to shut that door because you just don’t know if an opportunity like that ever comes up, but I feel like I need to be on the sidelines somewhere.
“I don’t if I can handle not being on the sideline and being part of a team trying to win a football game on Friday nights.”
6. Retire and spend more time with his family
He and his wife have nine children, so maybe he wants to spend more time at home?
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