Philip Rivers has been a really good NFL quarterback for a really long time.
Like a couple of other legendary signal callers (Drew Brees and Tom Brady), Rivers is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Unlike Brees and Brady, the possibility of Rivers returning to his 2019 team, the Los Angeles Chargers, is non-existent.
The Chargers, who acquired him in one of the most memorable draft day trades of all time back in 2004, are the only franchise Rivers has ever known. And now, the former N.C. State star will be finishing his career elsewhere.
Just a few weeks after Rivers’ emotional press conference following the Chargers’ final game of 2019 (which felt a lot like a farewell speech, by the way), the 38-year-old quarterback and his wife packed up their family of nine children in California and permanently (the word ‘permanently’ was in fact used by Rivers when discussing the move with ESPN NFL Insiders Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen) moved them across the country to Florida.
In the aforementioned press conference, Rivers also made it clear that he fully intends to play in 2020.
“I plan to play football, so yes,” Rivers said. “Where that is going to be will get sorted out over the next few months. I’ve never been in this position. I’m very thankful for the 16 years, and if there is another, I’ll be thankful for that.”
So, that brings us to the proverbial million dollar question: With Rivers having every intent to play a 17th NFL season, and his time with the Chargers officially over, where will he suit up in 2020?
These three teams make the most sense for the eight-time Pro Bowler.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have the offensive line in place to keep Rivers upright, and they have plenty of weapons in place for him to thrive (assuming they re-sign their own impending free agents). Their defense is solid, and Lucas Oil Stadium would provide Rivers with climate controlled conditions for at least half of his games. To top it all off, the Colts are projected to have roughly $90 in salary cap space to work with this offseason.
On paper this looks like an ideal destination for both Rivers and Brady.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The dots are easy to connect here. The Bucs have yet to commit to former No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston (the first NFL quarterback to join the 30-30 club) , and Rivers just moved his family to Florida. What may be most attractive about Tampa Bay, though, is the fact that there may not be a better group of wide receivers (Mike Evans and Chris Godwin) and tight ends (Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard) in the league.
Chicago Bears
The Bears aren’t ready to give up on Mitch Trubisky, but they also realize that their window to win a championship with their current core group of players won’t be open indefinitely. Rivers would give coach Matt Nagy a veteran who would instantly improve their offense — which was horrendous in 2019.
Longshots:
- New England Patriots
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Carolina Panthers
- Las Vegas Raiders
