Since taking over as the starter in 2006, Philip Rivers has started every game for the Los Angeles Chargers. But he is set to become a free agent in March. A read of the tea leaves says the Chargers will have a new quarterback next season, and Rivers will be on a new team.
Rivers has moved his family from California to Florida, in theory to be closer to family in that part of the country. But the move has also added to the speculation about his playing future, with buzz about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a landing spot following quickly.
Rivers is coming off a down 2019 campaign, as he threw 20 interceptions (many in bunches and/or at critical moments) and the Chargers went 5-11. But he’s not far removed from a very good 2018 season (8.5 yards per attempt, 32 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 105.5 passer rating) and over the 2017 and 2018 campaigns he averaged over 4,400 yards with 30 touchdown passes per season.
As he mulls his future, and teams mull his potential fit, here are four burning questions surrounding Philip Rivers’ free agency.
4. Will He Retire?
At 38 years old, with a large family and that cross-country move in mind, Rivers clearly has some eye on his future off the field. So retirement could be on the table, as unlikely as it seems with a competitive fire that clearly still burns. But if he fails to find a suitable situation in free agency, calling it a career stands to become an option.
