Philip Rivers has worn the Chargers’ uniform for his whole career, but his contract is up. There hasn’t been any indication that he will be back with the Chargers, but Rivers still wants to play football. Here are five potential landing spots for Philip Rivers. (Odds are from sportsbettingdime.com)
Rivers didn’t have a great year for the Chargers this season. He threw for 4,615 yards, 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions on 66 percent completion. The team went 5-11, which will make them think what they want to do in the future.
The Chargers have a pick that they could use on a quarterback in the NFL Draft. They can go that route, but their best bet to win with the roster they currently have constructed is to get a veteran. The easiest way to get a good, veteran quarterback is to keep the one they have and hope his play improves next season.
The Colts had a solid season because they have talent spread out around their roster. They were not, however, sold on their quarterback, Jacoby Brissett. With Andrew Luck, the Colts were competitors, but they missed the playoffs with Brissett under center.
If the Chargers don’t bring Rivers back, he will want to go to a contender. The Colts have the roster to contend and Rivers could be the missing piece. If Rivers is interested, Indianapolis will have the cap space to make the move.
Carolina has Cam Newton, but he has been injury-prone. If they decide to move on from him, they have Kyle Allen and Will Grier on the roster. Both of those players struggled down the stretch. A lot of these decisions will come down to new head coach Matt Rhule.
Rhule may want to get a veteran to make his transition to the NFL-level easier. Rivers could do more with the roster than what the team did this year. He also went to college at NC State, which may incentivize him playing in Charlotte.
The Bears had problems this year on offense. Mitch Trubisky struggled, but the Bears have said they are sticking with him for next season. That could all change this offseason though, if better options are on the table.
Chicago could sign Rivers and let the best man win the job next season. With better quarterback play, the Bears could be Super Bowl contenders because their defense is so good. The Bears likely won’t be Rivers’ first choice, but if he wants to play and they offer he will consider it.
Tennessee made a change at quarterback this season and Ryan Tannehill led them into the playoffs. They are satisfied with his play and reportedly want to work on an extension with him. If for some reason the Titans can’t agree to an extension with Tannehill, Rivers could step right in.
The Titans run the ball and play good defense. They just need a quarterback to make a few key throws a game and to protect the football. Rivers would need to change his style of play a bit, but he could adjust and find success in Tennessee.
