Philip Rivers, Chargers Agree to Long-Term Deal

For the longest time it was believed that San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was content with riding on the final year of his current contract. Due to constant rumors about the Chargers potentially moving (changing cities), or possible a reason unknown to the public, Rivers remained shy in regards to seriously talking about a new deal. For one reason or another, Rivers, finally decided waiting wasn’t the best idea.

Rivers and the Chargers reportedly agreed to terms on a new long-term deal on Saturday night, which ends up being a four-year extension worth roughly $83.25 million.

The deal eliminates any questions about Rivers’ future with the team, and also protects San Diego from entering the 2016 NFL season without an answer under center. Naturally, the deal also gives the team stability going into this season, as Rivers and the franchise can now work together to try to win in 2015 and beyond.

There had previously been rumors that Rivers was on his way out of town, which even spawned talk about the Chargers drafting a new franchise passer in the 2015 NFL Draft. The draft came and went without that happening, of course, while Rivers ultimately decided not to let his contract situation leak int the season.

The deal is a win for both sides, as the 33-year old Rivers continues to play at an extremely high level and has found serious success under head coach Mike McCoy over the past two years. During that time, Rivers has put up a stellar 63:29 TD-INT ratio, while completing over 66% of his passes in both seasons. San Diego has also had a dangerous offense during that span, while the Bolts have also remained a competitive team and made the playoffs in McCoy’s first season at the helm.

With Rivers locked up through the 2019 season (Rivers will be 37), the team and the quarterback can enter 2015 safely knowing that they’ll be hinged at the hip. Year three of Rivers/McCoy could end up being the best yet, as Rivers should be as comfortable as ever in the balanced system, which relies more on short to intermediate passes and allows Rivers to pick his spots with the deep ball. The team could be at risk of getting off to a slow start with starting tight end Antonio Gates suspended for the first four weeks of the year, but rookie rusher Melvin Gordon could help open up their offense and backup tight end LaDarius Green should be able to do a solid job in place of Gates.

On paper, the Chargers are a borderline playoff team that could very well be on the brink of a deep playoff run. The Denver Broncos have been a major thorn in their side in each of the past two seasons, but if San Diego’s defense can finally start matching their offense, the Bolts could have one of the most balanced attacks in the entire league. That will be precisely what they need to upend Peyton Manning and the Broncos, but the news of Rivers sticking in town could have a ripple effect for the entire franchise and give it the confidence it needs to make a serious push in 2015.