The Los Angeles Chargers announced Monday that they’ve mutually agreed to part ways with long-time QB Philip Rivers.
Statement from Chargers GM Tom Telesco:
“After stepping back a bit from last season, we reconnected with Philip and his representatives to look at how 2019 played out, assess our future goals, evaluate the current state of the roster and see if there was a path forward that made sense for both parties. As we talked through various scenarios, it became apparent that it would be best for Philip and the Chargers to turn the page on what has truly been a remarkable run.
“We agreed that making this decision well before free agency would allow everyone to put themselves in the best position for success in 2020.
“I’ve said before that Philip can still compete at a top-starter level and, in a perfect world, number 17 is your quarterback forever. Obviously, we live in an imperfect world where the only constant is change. I think Philip’s tremendous perspective, both when it comes to football and when it comes to life, helped lend clarity to a very complex situation.”
Statement from Rivers:
“I am very grateful to the Spanos family and the Chargers organization for the last 16 years. In anything you do, it’s the people you do it with that make it special. There are so many relationships and memories with coaches, support staff and teammates that will last forever, and for that I am so thankful.
“I never took for granted the opportunity to lead this team out on to the field for 235 games. We had a lot of great moments, beginning in San Diego and then finishing in LA. I wish my teammates and coaches nothing but the best moving forward.
“I’m not sure what the future holds, but my family and I look forward to seeing what God has planned for us next.
“Nunc Coepi.”
Rivers has said he wants to play in 2020 even if it’s with a new team and there’s been some speculation he could end up with the Buccaneers or the Colts.
Rivers permanently moved his family from San Diego to Florida this year.
Rivers, 38, is a former first-round pick of the Giants back in 2004. He was later traded to the Chargers in return for Eli Manning.
Rivers just finished the final year of his five-year, $99 million contract that includes $65 million guaranteed and stands to make a base salary of $11 million for the 2019 season. He will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his NFL career.
In 2019, Rivers appeared in all 16 games for the Chargers and completed 66 percent of his passes for 4,615 yards, 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.
We have him included in our Top 100 – 2020 Free Agents list.
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