Report: Chargers Lock-Up Rivers Thru 2019
The San Diego Chargers have officially announced on Twitter they have locked-up 33-year old quarterback Phillip Rivers to a four-year extension. The deal secures Rivers’ place on the Chargers until after the 2019 NFL season, which would be his 15th NFL season. The financial details are reportedly placing Rivers around $85 million, $65 million being guaranteed. That reported guaranteed money is the most in NFL history, beating Russell Wilson’s $61 million. He also sits at number four in yearly salary.
BREAKING NEWS: We've signed Philip Rivers to a four-year contract extension through 2019.
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 16, 2015
Ian Rapoport said on “NFL Total Access” that a month ago there were “serious doubts” the Chargers could resign the quarterback after Rivers openly spoke of his disappointment with the teams direction.
Rivers has played his entire career in San Diego, despite being drafted by the New York Giants. Rivers was, of course, traded for Eli Manning during the draft in one of the most bizarre NFL draft moments in history. Many argue Rivers is still an “elite” NFL quarterback despite his age, pointing at his resurgence over the past couple seasons. During the 2013 & 2014 seasons, Rivers threw 63 touchdowns and 29 interceptions, compared to only 53 touchdowns and 35 interceptions the two previous seasons.
The deal is a bit of a surprise, considering just a couple of months ago we we’re talking about Rivers being traded to the Tennessee Titans for the second overall pick. Rivers was reportedly unhappy with the team’s (unapproved) plans to move to Los Angeles within the next couple years. Rivers reportedly does not like the idea of living in a city and likes the more “low-key” areas like San Diego or in the sourthern region of the country. Rivers went to North Carolina State back in his college days, which would reflect those desires.
Entering his twelfth NFL season, Rivers has thrown for over 36,000 yards and 252 touchdowns. He’s led the league in both passing yards and touchdowns throughout his career. He’s taken the Chargers to the playoffs five times, playing in nine games.
Looking towards 2016, Rivers has some new faces around him. The team drafted running back Melvin Gordon after loosing Ryan Matthews to the Eagles in free agency. They also brought in Jacoby Jones to line up next to Keenan Allen and Malcom Floyd.
With this deal, Andrew Luck is just licking his chops waiting for his contract to be finalized.