Earlier this week the San Diego Chargers confirmed that Philip Rivers‘ would enter free agency for the first time in his 17th NFL season, likely ending his tenure as the franchise’s all-time leading passer. What’s next for the veteran gunslinger? Rivers is just two seasons removed from his eighth career Pro Bowl and can still play. Reports are that the 38-year-old quarterback would be willing to push off retirement if a playoff contender was willing to sign him.
The free-agent market for quarterbacks this season seems pretty good on the surface with Dak Prescott, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and Rivers. However, Prescott is likely to stay with the Cowboys, Brees is almost certain to stick with the Saints. That leaves Brady and Rivers as the top two targets for teams who feel they’re a veteran quarterback away from a postseason run.
Indianapolis Colts (+200)
According to the popular sports betting app from BetRivers in Indiana, the Colts are the favorite to sign the veteran Rivers. To make room they would likely have to find a trade partner for quarterback Jacoby Brissett as that would free up almost $16-million in cap space, which could be used to sign Rivers and leave plenty of room to target much-needed playmaking wideout.
Side Note: Current Colts coach Frank Reich was the Chargers’ quarterback coach in 2013 and their offensive coordinator in 2014 and 2015.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+300)
The Bucs have not indicated whether they will move on from free-agent Jameis Winston, who led the NFL in passing yards but also in interceptions. Winston who is entering his sixth NFL seasons will probably be looking for a long-term deal. While at this point in Rivers’ career, it’s fair to question whether he would be an upgrade over Winston, would certainly be cheaper and could be signed to a short-term contract.
Side Note: Rivers and his family recently moved to Florida.
Las Vegas Raiders (+500)
How ironic would it be for the Raiders to pick up the quarterback who has the most wins all-time against them (18)? With the Raiders reportedly considering moving on from Derek Carr in 2020, Rivers would make for a good stop-gap as the team transitions to its new home in the desert.
Side Note: Carr is on record saying in 2016 that in his opinion, Rivers is a Hall of Fame quarterback.
Side Note 2: They’ll target Tom Brady, however, Jameis Winston makes more sense for the Raiders.
Miami Dolphins (+800)
The Dolphins who are coming off another terrible season are armed with both cap space and high-quality draft picks in 2020. Picking 5th overall in this year’s NFL Draft, they should be in a position to draft either Justin Herbert (Oregon) or Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama). They might want a steady veteran like Rivers to mentor their franchise quarterback of the future.
Side Note: The team has a veteran quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is due just $8 million in 2020. Why pay more for Rivers?
Carolina Panthers (+1000)
Cam Newton is in the last year of his contract and is due $21 million in 2020. While the team is in the process of deciding whether to move on from the 30-year-old quarterback this year, there are little or no beneficial ramifications of moving Newton, and this Panther team is unlikely to contend this season.
Side Note: Carolina could be the sentimental destination of choice for Rivers who played his college football at nearby N.C. State.