{"id":79964,"date":"2020-01-25T17:05:13","date_gmt":"2020-01-25T22:05:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=79964"},"modified":"2020-01-25T17:05:13","modified_gmt":"2020-01-25T22:05:13","slug":"possible-landing-destinations-for-philip-rivers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2020\/01\/25\/possible-landing-destinations-for-philip-rivers\/","title":{"rendered":"Possible Landing Destinations for Philip Rivers"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is looking to be a rather interesting year for quarterbacks in free agency. Some of this year\u2019s free agents that may potentially be on new teams next year include Ryan Tannehill<\/strong><\/a>, Jameis Winston<\/strong><\/a>, Marcus Mariota<\/strong><\/a>\u2026 and even Tom Brady<\/strong><\/a>. Not to mention a few guys that could end up being traded like Cam Newton<\/strong><\/a> or Andy Dalton<\/a> <\/strong>or Josh Rosen<\/strong><\/a>. Then there\u2019s Philip Rivers<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Like Brady, Rivers has been a long-time starter for his team (Los Angeles Chargers<\/a>). But right now that future is uncertain due in part to his age and the poor season he\u2019s coming off of. Rivers has indicated it\u2019s not really up to him anymore whether the Chargers bring him back or not. And he and his family moving to Florida has sent off warning bells for some fans. Regardless, the two sides moving on seems quite possible right now. So what does happen to Rivers? Well, here are a few possibilities.<\/p>\n

Possibilities for Philip Rivers in Free Agency<\/h2>\n

Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/h3>\n

If Rivers ends up on a new team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a> may be the best fit \u2013 and it would coincide well with his recent move to Florida. Their quarterback Winston is coming off probably the most inconsistent season of all time<\/a> and is a free agent as well. There\u2019s been speculation that head coach Bruce Arians<\/strong> has a preference for veteran quarterbacks anyway. And when Arians was with the Arizona Cardinals<\/a>, Carson Palmer<\/a> <\/strong>not only became relevant again but had possibly the best stretch of his career.<\/p>\n

The more pass-heavy offense would suit Rivers pretty well, as long as the offensive line could hold up. He still has the arm strength, and the Buccaneers have two superb receivers in Mike Evans<\/a> <\/strong>and Chris Godwin<\/strong><\/a>. Even Breshad Perriman<\/a><\/strong> showed flashes down the stretch (though he\u2019s a free agent too). And then there\u2019s the tight end corps. Between the coaching and the weapon lineup, the Buccaneers would be a good fit for Rivers.<\/p>\n

Indianapolis Colts<\/h3>\n

The Indianapolis Colts<\/a> have been suggested as a possible spot for Tom Brady as well. It\u2019d be a good place for either of those veteran quarterbacks because they\u2019d actually have more protection from the o-line over there. There would also be less pressure to pass the ball heavily because the Colts actually run the ball as well.<\/p>\n

Jacoby Brissett<\/a><\/strong> had a decent year, but he also faded a bit down the stretch. It\u2019s unclear at this point whether the Colts want to invest in him for the foreseeable future or not. Let\u2019s not forget, Brissett was only in this position because Andrew Luck<\/strong><\/a> retired abruptly. So while the Colts may not be looking to jettison Brissett, they might also be in the market if something lands in their lap. And given that they have their own share of young weapons and a good o-line, Rivers would probably do fine there.<\/p>\n

Carolina Panthers<\/h3>\n

This is another spot where Rivers wouldn\u2019t have to do everything, given that they would probably be relying more on Christian McCaffrey<\/a><\/strong> than the quarterback. Like the Chargers, the Carolina Panthers<\/a> have a strong possibility of moving on from their veteran quarterback \u2013 Cam Newton, in their case. And they don\u2019t look to have a good option beyond him right now. Kyle Allen<\/strong><\/a> proved too inconsistent and Will Grier<\/a><\/strong>\u2026 well, he kind of showed why the Panthers were so patient with Allen.<\/p>\n

As such, the quarterback spot is wide open for them. Carolina doesn\u2019t seem to be touted as much of an attractive option \u2013 probably since their franchise is in a state of flux, with their uncertain quarterback situation and the new owner jettisoning Ron Rivera<\/strong><\/a> and bringing in Matt Rhule<\/strong>, another college coach. Not to mention that beyond McCaffrey and D.J. Moore<\/strong><\/a>, they don\u2019t have a ton of weapons right now. So while this is a possible landing spot, it seems a little less likely that Rivers would flourish here.<\/p>\n

Back to the Chargers<\/h3>\n

While it may feel like a bit of a long shot at the moment, Philip Rivers going back to the Chargers is still possible. He\u2019s still open to it, as is General Manager<\/a> Tom Telesco<\/strong>. What could end up happening here is the Chargers bring back Rivers and then draft a quarterback with their sixth overall pick (Justin Herbert<\/strong>?), and let Rivers start for one or two more years while Herbert learns behind him. It seems more expected for rookies to start out of the gate these days. But that doesn\u2019t necessarily mean it\u2019s always the best decision.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s hard to say for sure whether Philip Rivers has anything left in the tank or not. But he still wants to play football. Given his history, it\u2019s hard to imagine him not starting behind center for somebody next year. The question of who that will be or whether it will even be a new squad will be answered in the months to come.<\/p>\n

Main Photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>