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2016 NFL Free Agency Profile: Philip Rivers

By Erik Lambert

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Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) signals on the line of scrimmage during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Without a doubt the big name to watch heading towards 2016 NFL free agency will be Pro Bowl quarterback Philip Rivers.  What does fate hold for him and the San Diego Chargers.

  • Age:  33
  • 4,286 yards
  • 31 touchdowns
  • 18 interceptions
  • 2 fumbles lost
  • Five-time Pro Bowler

It was a story that gained steam before the draft back in April.  The Chargers franchise has tried repeatedly to get Rivers in discussions for a new contract as his current one expires after 2015.  Then a bombshell dropped with the Rivers camp indicating he’d prefer to play things out.  Part of the reasoning was he was aware of plans the team had to move from San Diego to Los Angeles, something that he did not care to do.

This put the Chargers is a difficult position.  They couldn’t very well let Rivers go in free agency for nothing, leading to rampant speculation they would package him in a trade with the Tennessee Titans for their #2 pick in order to draft Marcus Mariota.

In the end it didn’t play out that way.  They drafted according to the assumption that Rivers will play for them in 2015, and all indications are that hasn’t changed.  The problem is no progress has happened on the contract front.  Philip Rivers has shown no signs of backing down and the Chargers, despite their confidence something will get done, don’t have as much time as they’d like to think.

In the end, history says the bottom line comes down to dollar amount and who will budge first.

Likeliest Outcome:  Signs extension after season ends

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