Monday marked the end of an era as the Los Angeles Chargers and quarterback Philip Rivers mutually decided to part ways, ending his 16-year stint with the franchise.
Coming off one of his best seasons in 2018, Rivers was thought to be a lock to get an extension before the 2019 campaign. Instead, the 38-year old and the franchise agreed to play it out and discuss a possible contract after the season.
The two parties weren’t expecting how this past season was going to turn out. Rivers passed for 4,615 yards and 23 touchdowns – his fewest since 2007 – 20 interceptions and he committed 23 turnovers while the team dropped nine of its 11 games decided by a touchdown or less.
Rivers was derailed by inconsistency along the offensive line, but the unit doesn’t deserve all the blame for his roller coaster of a season. His regression started towards the end of the 2018 season and it carried on into the 2019 campaign.
But outside of his poor play, there were signs that suggest Rivers and the franchise might’ve agreed that this would be his last year in the blue and gold before the season even began.
The lack of contract extension had many scratching their heads and then they signed Tyrod Taylor and drafted Easton Stick. Then after the season, Rivers moved his family from its longtime home in San Diego to Florida last month.
Along with that, the opportunity to start a new era before moving into the new stadium had to be enticing to the Chargers. As a result, Los Angeles determined that their best option involved parting ways with the quarterback that has started every game for them since 2006.
Rivers leaves the Chargers No. 6 in NFL history in career passing yards (59,271) and touchdown passes (397). He led the Bolts to the playoffs six times in his 14 years as their starter, including an appearance in the 2007 AFC Championship Game.
What’s next for the Chargers? Taylor, who was signed to a two-year deal last offseason, is penciled in as the starter at the moment, but they will most certainly bring in another quarterback. The outlet to acquire another signal-caller is to be determined, but there are a few options to choose from.
They could sign a free agent with an established veteran quarterback like Tom Brady. L.A. could look to get a trade done for someone like Cam Newton. Or, they could draft someone with the No. 6 overall selection like Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, Oregon’s Justin Herbert or Utah State’s Jordan Love.
The decision to extend coach Anthony Lynn might suggest that he will get a quarterback of his choice. Lynn’s offensive philosophy has always been a run-heavy approach, but he hasn’t been able to do so without a mobile quarterback – which could change in the coming months.
As for Rivers, he’s hitting the free agency market for the first time in his career. The 38-year old said that he wants to keep playing, and while there will be plenty of teams interested, retirement still shouldn’t be out of the picture for Rivers.
“I’m not sure what the future holds, but my family and I look forward to seeing what God has planned for us next,” Rivers said.