Philip Rivers Plans To Play Out His Contract, Even Though Chargers Are Open To An Extension

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the Chargers have no intention of allowing QB Philip Rivers to leave as a free agent next year.

“Philip Rivers WILL be the Chargers quarterback for the foreseeable future,” Rapoport said.

• However, Rapoport adds that Rivers plans to play out his current contract, even though the Chargers would like to sign him to an extension.
• Rapoport mentions that Rivers currently has some leverage in this situation, but so too does San Diego, as they could always use their franchise tag on him next year.
• According to Rapoport, the idea of a potential move to Los Angeles having an impact on his future with the Chargers has been overplayed.

Rivers recently mentioned that he intends to pay out the final year of his contract before considering an extension with San Diego.

Rivers specifically mentioned the uncertainty that current surrounds the team

“What I can control and all I know as of today, I am signed up for one more year,” Rivers said, via the Union-Tribune San Diego. “I guess things could change, but with all the uncertainty in many aspects, I don’t see it changing before camp gets here, and when camp gets here I’m even more certain to play it out.”

According to Rivers, the two sides last spoke was towards the end of the year.

“The last time we talked was so close to the end of last season, and I was pretty banged up,” Rivers said. “It was more of the notion of I don’t know how much longer I want to do this. That was one of the scenarios. That has left, and I’m excited. I feel like I have a lot of good years left.”

Chargers GM Tom Telesco also said back in December that that he believes Rivers still has a “number of years left,” and he’s hoping Rivers will finish out his career with the team.

“I still think he has a number of years left,” Telesco said, via Eric D. Williams of ESPN. “I really do. He keeps himself in great condition. He’s always prepared. And he’s still playing at a high level. Now, anytime you have a star player that’s into his 30s, in my position you always have your eye on who’s the next guy. But I feel good about where Philip is.”

Telesco was asked if a contract extension could be coming for Rivers at some point during the offseason.

“We’re committed to make sure that Philip retires as a Charger,” Telesco said. “So we’ll go from there.”

Rivers, 33, is entering the final year of his seven-year, $98.25 million contract that included $38.15 million guaranteed. He stands to make a base salary of $15.57 million for the 2015 season.

Despite dealing with some injuries this year, Rivers was able to put together another solid season for the Chargers in which he threw for 4,286 yards while completing 66.5 percent of his passes to go along with 31 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.

Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 7 quarterback out of 39 qualifying players.