Philip Rivers Trade Talk Could Be Two Sides Jockeying For Leverage In Contract Talks?

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that the Chargers and QB Philip Rivers are far more likely to be doing a “mating dance aimed at getting him signed beyond 2015” than working towards a divorce.

Florio mentions that Rivers knows he’s more valuable to the Chargers if they move to Los Angeles, as they’ll need a marketable figure to attract a new fan base. San Diego is reportedly well aware of this.

There have been a number of rumors that Rivers could be dealt to the Titans for the No. 2 overall, which would allow the Chargers to draft Oregon QB Marcus Mariota. Tennessee would get a veteran quarterback to work with, who is already familiar with their offensive system.

However, it would cost the Chargers quite a bit to move up from No. 17 overall, and you could make the case that the Titans still wouldn’t be a contender by adding Rivers.

According to Florio, not much has developed in the way of potential suitors for Rivers in the past few weeks.

Interestingly enough, Florio writes that some have wondered whether the end game for the Chargers isn’t Mariota but Jameis Winston. Assuming they could get up to No. 2 by trading Rivers, they could put together another deal to move up one spot for Winston.

In the end, Florio seems to think all of this is two sides jockeying for more leverage in contract talks.

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 last  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.