Whether or not the 2019 season marked quarterback Philip Rivers’ last season in a Chargers uniform still remains to be seen. But there is one team that’s already anticipating that being the case.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have been listed as a potential landing spot for Rivers, could very well end up being the team he suits up for in 2020. According to ESPN’s Jenna Laine, the Bucs are showing legitimate interest in the veteran signal-caller.
The Philip Rivers rumors aren’t circulating just because Rivers and his family moved to Florida. League sources say the Bucs’ interest in the eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback is legitimate, although Rivers has been plagued by many of the same issues that Winston has — interceptions. He has thrown 198 picks since 2004, third most of any player in that span. He also has thrown the second-most interceptions over the past five seasons (76), behind only Winston’s 88.
Rivers moved his family from California to Florida last month, which left many with the impression that he would sign with a team in the same state. But he said that the move football-wise is to be determined, and just wanted to move his family closer to home since he’s from the south.
Tampa Bay remains in a limbo with their current starting quarterback, Jameis Winston as he’s been a model of inconsistency and they could elect to move on from him. If so, the Bucs would be a team that could benefit from Rivers’ services, and he could serve as a bridge (assuming they draft a QB).
Coach Bruce Arians, who has praised Rivers many times in the past, has a lot of success working with veteran quarterbacks. If the 38-year old was to join Tampa Bay, he would have a handful of talented skill players, including wide receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and tight end O.J. Howard.