Phillip Rivers is due to sign another contract with the Los Angeles Chargers next year. But the 38-year-old quarterback says there is no rush.
If you ask the Chargers about Phillip Rivers, you always get the same answer: He’s their guy. And why shouldn’t he be? At 38 years old, Rivers had one of the best seasons of his career last year. He threw for over 4,000 yards, had 32 touchdowns, and took his team to the AFC divisional round. The 15-year veteran quarterback may be getting on in years, but that’s not showing on the field.
Still, there seems to be a lack of urgency about the quarterback’s next contract. 2019 will be his final year on his current four-year, $83.25 million dollar deal, but Rivers told reporters he would be fine waiting until the next offseason to get his future sorted.
“I’m just fine right where we are,” Rivers said. “I’ve got this year left and under no immediate stress or urgency to get anything done. Even if it means playing it out, that’ll be just fine, it really will. We’ve got a good group here and a good thing going. Just kind of that this point focus on the one year at a time and kinda just take it from there.”
There could be many reasons that Rivers is taking a different approach than players like Russell Wilson. Rivers has been a part of the Chargers organization for 15 years. He has changed cities with them. And he’s just come off one of the best seasons of his career. Rivers likely knows his value to the Chargers organization, and has closer relationships with the ownership and front office than many other players.
But you can’t help but wonder: If Rivers leads the Chargers to a Super Bowl this year, would he consider retiring? It’s a natural thing to consider at his age, and yet Rivers finds himself leading one of the best teams he’s ever had, putting forward some of the best performances of his life.
At 38 years old, Rivers is likely nearing the end of his career. He has a choice: Does the father of nine want to play into his 40s like Brees and Brady, or will he be content after 15 years on the gridiron? A lot of that probably depends on what happens this season, and what kind of future Rivers sees in Los Angeles. For now, the Chargers GM says Rivers won’t be going anywhere after 2019. In fact, he thinks Rivers could play until he is 45.
“I think Tom knows that’s not gonna happen,” Rivers chuckled.
So, what happens for Rivers after 2019? For now, it remains a mystery.