Philip Rivers Rumors: Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linked To QB

Philip Rivers is looking for a new team amid news that the Los Angeles Chargers and their starting quarterback of 14 years are parting ways. The signal caller enters free agency without a ton of options for the 2020 NFL season.

Rivers, 38, is likely headed toward the end of his career. He’s no longer one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. His 20 interceptions were the third-most in the 2019 season. Rivers’ 88.5 passer rating was 17th.

Rivers did finish fourth with 4,615 passing yards and 10th with a 66% completion rate. The quarterback is just a year removed from being considered a top-five MVP candidate. He’s extremely durable, having made 16 starts in every year since the 2006 season.

Assuming he doesn’t retire, Rivers should land a starting job somewhere. What team will take a chance on the veteran?

The Indianapolis Colts are viewed by many as the most likely landing spot for Rivers. Colts head coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni both coached Rivers when the Chargers played in San Diego. Indianapolis is also in a position to potentially make an upgrade at quarterback.

Jacoby Brissett signed a two-year, $30 million contract with Indianapolis shortly after Andrew Luck retired last summer. The 27-year-old went 7-8 as the Colts’ starter, throwing for 2,942 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions. His 88.0 passer rating put him right behind Rivers.

Brissett has a career 84.6 passer rating. His 1.3% interception rate would be the lowest in NFL history if he had enough passing attempts to qualify. Rivers has thrown an interception on at least 3.2% of his passes in three of the last seven seasons.

The Colts have one of the best offensive lines in football. After playing behind one of the league’s worst offensive lines in Los Angeles, Rivers could potentially have a bounce-back season with Indianapolis in 2020.

The Tennessee Titans have the kind of offensive line that could help Rivers have a more productive season. Rivers has reportedly had his eyes on Tennessee, which is only a couple of hours away from the quarterback’s hometown in Alabama.

The Titans are an unlikely landing spot for Rivers, who wouldn’t seem to be an upgrade for Tennessee. Ryan Tannehill had the best season of his career with the Titans in 2019, leading the NFL with a 117.5 passer rating in 11 games. Tennessee reached the AFC Championship Game.

Tannehill is seven years younger than Rivers. The Titans are expected to use the franchise tag on Tannehill instead of letting him hit free agency.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could potentially use the franchise tag on their quarterback. Jameis Winston is without a contract for next season, and there’s been speculation that Rivers could be his replacement.

ESPN’s Jenna Laine reported last month that the Bucs had a legitimate interest in Rivers. The former Chargers’ quarterback moved with his family to Florida this offseason, adding another reason to believe the sides are a potential fit.

Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians is a noted fan of Rivers.

Winston had more of a rollercoaster season than Rivers. The Bucs’ signal caller led the NFL with 30 interceptions, giving him nine more picks than anyone else. Winston also was first with 5,109 passing yards and second with 33 passing touchdowns.

The Bucs went 7-9, missing the playoffs for the fifth straight season with Winston as their quarterback.