Philip Rivers reportedly could be done with the Los Angeles Chargers after the 2019 season. Where could the veteran quarterback land in 2020?
Things have not gone according to plan for Philip Rivers and the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2019 NFL season. Circled as a Super Bowl dark horse entering this year, they have failed to even play .500 football for much of the season. They are now almost surely out of the playoff race and are mired in scrutiny. And now the team may be searching for a quarterback after this season.
According to a report from CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, there is a very real possibility that the Chargers and Philip Rivers end their partnership at the end of the 2019 season. The soon-to-be 38-year old quarterback’s contract expires after this season and there have been no talks between the organization and the veteran about an extension at this point.
Complicating the matter further is the fact that Rivers has been subpar this season. He’s thrown 14 interceptions on the year, which is the second-highest total in the NFL to this point. Beyond just the turnovers, though, he hasn’t looked right. Thus, if the Chargers wanted to head in a new direction, it might not be that crazy. Especially considering Rivers’ apparent malcontent with the move to Los Angeles as his family remains in San Diego.
Thus, if the Chargers and Rivers do end their time together, what’s next for the veteran quarterback? Let’s take a look at five options for Philip Rivers in the 2020 season if he doesn’t move into the new stadium with the Bolts.
5. Retirement
The option that can’t be ruled out for Philip Rivers is retirement. He’s clearly not happy with the move to Los Angeles as his family remains in San Diego. He’s clearly not playing like the player that he once was. And he’s also near 40 years old. No one would blame the veteran signal-caller for hanging up his cleats after this season.
If Rivers does leave the Chargers, there are going to be a ton of teams calling him, as mentioned. Having said that, it remains to be seen if he wants those calls. Perhaps the reason that he and the Chargers have not engaged in contract talks for 2020 and beyond is the fact that he’s ready to retire.
It would be a shame to see Rivers go out in such disappointing fashion as he and the Chargers have struggled far more than expected this season. Having said that, he’s had a terrific career and, if the stars have now aligned for him to walk away, that’s a viable option that’s on the table for the quarterback.