AFC Notes: Chargers, Raiders, Texans

Chargers

Chargers QB Philip Rivers says he’s okay playing out the final year of his deal if the team and he can’t reach an extension this offseason. 

“I’d be fine with that, and look at it again in early spring, if that is in fact how it plays out,” Rivers said via ESPN’s Eric Williams. “I really have no goal, or see it playing a certain way. I’m very at peace with where it is right now. I’m under contract for this season and excited about this team and our opportunities.”

• Per the Los Angeles Times’ Jeff Miller, Rivers reiterated that he ideally wants to play at least through 2020 when the team’s new stadium opens.
• Miller says he foresees the two sides agreeing on an extension sometime this summer, though there’s no deadline or sense of urgency on Rivers’ part.  

Raiders

Raiders GM Mike Mayock says if he had still been an analyst at NFL Network, he would not have been as surprised at the pick of DE Clelin Ferrell at No. 4 overall as many were. 

“I don’t think I would’ve been as surprised as a lot of the world,” Mayock said via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “At the end of the day, people act like the thought wouldn’t occur to me to trade down and still get Cle. He was our guy, OK? And whether we got him at 4, 8, 10, it didn’t matter. He was gonna be our guy.”

Mayock said Ferrell’s versatility and character made him an attractive pick. 

“He’s a foundation player. And even more importantly, he’s a three-down defensive end who can stick his hand in the dirt and play on run downs and pass downs,” Mayock said. “He’s not a guy who’s going to be a designated pass-rusher. He’s in there on every snap. And he’s gonna set the tone for us, as far as these young guys are concerned. I couldn’t wait to get to that pick.”

Ferrell said he’s “a worker” and is ready to do his part to prove he was worth the pick. 

“The play is going to come with itself, but I just want to earn the respect of my teammates, that’s the biggest thing,” Ferrell said, via Scott Bair of NBCSportsBayArea.com. “So much going on around because you’re a rookie and don’t know much. Everything is just new, it’s a whole new situation, whole new playbook, whole new teammates, everything. So, just come in with the right mindset and right attitude, work hard and just earn the respect of my teammates is the biggest thing.” 

• Former Eagles pro scouting director Dwayne Joseph will join the Raiders in the same position. (Neil Stratton)

Texans

• According to Aaron Wilson, the Texans’ one-year deal for S Jahleel Addae is worth $1.105 million and includes an $850,000 base salary, $150,000 signing bonus, and up to $150,000 in per-game active roster bonuses. 
• Texans GM Brian Gaine said the team saw an opportunity to upgrade at safety: “Fits our culture, fits our program, fits our expectations. We’re excited to have him.” (Wilson)