By Jordan Long
The L.A. Chargers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs last night 24-17 in Mexico. The story of the game was Chargers’ quarterback Philip Rivers who tossed 4 interceptions, giving him 14 for the season. It could be time to ponder Rivers’ future with the Chargers.
Rivers has been with the Chargers since 2004. He has guided the Chargers to a record of 122-97 as the starter. The Chargers also made the playoffs 7 times with him including a trip to the AFC Championship Game in 2007.
This season Rivers is finding his open receivers with 3,169 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. The problem for him is seeing the whole field. When he is being pressured rather than taking a sack, he throws the ball up for grabs hoping his wideout will make a play. Those are easily intercepted. His total this season so far is 14, the most since 2016 when he had 21.
The Chargers may need to move on from Rivers. He is 37 and who knows how much football is left in him anyway. Rivers is a free agent at the end of the year. It is possible the Chargers will let him go.
If they decide not to extend his contract, the Chargers have a few quarterbacks on their roster. They have a backup in Tyrod Taylor whose deal won’t expire until the end of next year. Taylor is 30 years old and hasn’t been a starter in the league since 2017 when he was with the Buffalo Bills. He could be the answer for a few years.
The other option is Easton Stick who is a rookie. The Chargers drafted him in the 5th round of this years’ NFL draft out of North Dakota State. They are still developing him into an NFL quarterback.
If the Chargers don’t like either of these options, they can look at the draft or free agency. The problem with the NFL Draft is who knows if they will be the next Peyton Manning or not last long in the NFL like Ryan Leaf.
A free agent could be the way to go. At least they would have experience in the NFL. The Chargers will have a decision to make once the year is over. It might be time to move on from Rivers.
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