Early today, the internet was ablaze with rumors that the Los Angeles Chargers were ready to move on from Philip Rivers. Apparently, the team was ready to go into 2020 without one of the most successful quarterbacks in franchise history.
Those rumors were shot down by a report that no actual decision has been made. Let’s just say the rumors were true. The Chargers were ready to use Tyrod Taylor for a bridge year, draft a quarterback, and let Rivers play somewhere else for next season. Let’s look at some destinations where he could end up.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rivers already moved his family to Florida, so why not play for a team that seems like it’s a quarterback away from being in the playoff hunt. Jameis Winston is a turnover machine. It would be tough to invest a lot of money and a long-term contract in a player that loves interceptions as much as Winston does. Rivers would provide a veteran presence to a team with a bunch of weapons.
The problem here is that Rivers lacks the arm strength to excel in Bruce Arians’ vertical passing game. Rivers also isn’t exactly careful with the football. He had 20 interceptions last season.
Chicago Bears
Anything is better than Mitch Trubisky for the Bears, and Rivers would allow Chicago to hit the reset button on finding their next franchise quarterback. The Bears have a Super Bowl ready roster and a Gator Bowl signal-caller. Rivers would make them a contender in a competitive NFC North.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans would move on from Ryan Tannehill and sign Rivers to make another run in the playoffs. The problem is that Tannehill was significantly better than Rivers this year. That’s not really debatable when we look at yards-per-attempt and Tannehill’s numbers off of play-action were historically great.
If the Titans don’t think Tannehill is a long-term answer, Rivers is a nice stop-gap. He’s won in the playoffs and he may take a discount if the Titans give him the best shot to win a playoff game.
New England Patriots
If Tom Brady is serious about leaving the only team he played for his entire career and Jarret Stidham isn’t ready to take over, Rivers would be a veteran who may interest the Patriots. The interest should be mutual. Rivers could have a career resurgence in New England under Josh McDaniels. The Patriots’ short passing game would play into Rivers’ strengths.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are the team that makes the most sense. Jacoby Brissett was more than serviceable last year, but Rivers would be a step up. He’s a veteran who has been to the playoffs. He has familiarity with Frank Reich and his offense. It’s an easy transition for Rivers.
It also makes sense for the Colts. They are a quarterback away from being a serious Super Bowl contender. If Andrew Luck didn’t retire before the season, the Colts would have been a trendy AFC champion pick. Throw Rivers in there and they are back to where they expected to be. The Colts window is getting tighter. They have young talent and deep roster, but their young stars get closer to free agency every season that passes. Rivers will give them a win-now QB.
