The Chargers are optimistic about working out a long-term extension with Philip Rivers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Weeks ago, the quarterback was uncertain about his future in San Diego, so this is a positive turn for both parties. There’s still work to be done between Rivers and the Bolts, Rapoport adds (on Twitter), but the team believes that they can work out a deal that would ensure that the QB retires with them.
Throughout the offseason, speculation was rampant that the Bolts could move on from their longtime franchise quarterback. In the weeks leading up to the draft, there was talk that San Diego could build a package centered around Rivers and the No. 17 selection to deal for the Titans’ No. 2 overall pick and take Marcus Mariota. Of course, that never came together.
Rivers, 33, started all 16 games for the Chargers last season, just like he has done in every season since 2006 when he broke in as the starter. The veteran threw for 4,286 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. The advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked Rivers as the seventh-best quarterback in the league last season, putting him ahead of Cam Newton, Andrew Luck, and Peyton Manning.
Back in April, Rivers rebuffed the Chargers’ attempts to hold contract extension talks. Rivers is scheduled to earn a total of $17.42MM in 2015, his final year under contract. Tight end Antonio Gates, tight end Ladarius Green, wide receiver Malcom Floyd and guard Johnnie Troutman are also entering their walk years and, along with Rivers, they represent the only holdovers from when GM Tom Telesco and coach Mike McCoy first arrived in 2013.