While Philip Rivers ended his 17-year NFL career, his final year with the Indianapolis Colts showed no indication of him slowing down.
At 40 years old, Rivers led the Colts to the playoffs with 4,169 yards and 24 touchdowns.
He also completed 68 percent of his passes which is higher than his six previous seasons.
"Dagummit!"
Legendary trash talker Philip Rivers turns 40 today 😂🎈
(via @NFLFilms)pic.twitter.com/Xz15UEoaro
— ESPN (@espn) December 8, 2021
Though he has a lot left in his tank, Indianapolis respected his decision to retire after the 2020 season and acquired Carson Wentz.
But the itch to play came back after seeing how the current season unfolded for some teams.
He declared his intention to help teams, but no one came calling.
These two teams will blame themselves for a while for not contacting the nine-time Pro Bowler and the 2013 Comeback Player of the Year.
2. Denver Broncos
Teddy Bridgewater remains a steady option at quarterback, but his talent has limitations.
The Broncos aren’t doing too bad at 6-6, and they’re still in the thick of things in the AFC West.
However, fans want more, especially with their explosive players at skill positions.
Melvin Gordon III can affect a game’s outcome from the backfield.
Meanwhile, any quarterback would love to work with their receiving corps of Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick, and Courtland Sutton.
Remember the egregious 4th & 2 play call?
Players confused, missed blocks, resulting in a turnover on downs after a great drive.
Well, it should have been solved, on 3rd down.
You can't miss wide-open guys who are 1 or 2 in your progression!#BroncosCountry
Quick Clip! pic.twitter.com/eJyNkkwwtm
— Tim Jenkins (@TJenkinsElite) December 8, 2021
That Jeudy doesn’t have a touchdown reception after Week 13 is a failure in maximizing their talent.
Plug Rivers into their roster, and they won’t have problems gaining huge yardage with one throw.
He’s not afraid to sling the ball downfield, and he often finds his receivers.
Just ask Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson how the Alabama native helped them find success in the NFL.
Denver could have let Rivers play until they found a long-term solution at quarterback.
The 2021 Denver Broncos pic.twitter.com/MkBcj78RJa
— D-Line Co. (@DLineCo) December 6, 2021
Likewise, there’s a chance that they could be division leaders with him under center.
If the experiment didn’t work, the Broncos would not absorb a substantial dead cap because they wouldn’t have given Rivers a long-term commitment.
1. New Orleans Saints
Rivers himself expressed the intention of playing for the New Orleans Saints should they come calling.
However, New Orleans did not contact him after losing Jameis Winston to injury, and for a good reason.
Head coach Sean Payton has found success with his backup quarterbacks over the years.
He won with Taysom Hill under center when Drew Brees suffered an injury last season.
Payton also had a winning record with Bridgewater before Hill came into the picture.
So the Saints finally get Alvin Kamara back, and they lose Mark Ingram. Pretty much sums up their 2021 season.
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) December 8, 2021
Unfortunately, the Saints did not have success with Trevor Siemian under center.
They’ve lost five straight games and are now at the cellar of the NFC South.
The Saints lost two games by two points each and only by six points against the Buffalo Bills.
Having Rivers under center may have given them a chance to get victories and strengthen the claim for a Wild Card spot.
Losing Alvin Kamara adds another black eye to their once-promising season.
There's been some talk about the Saints defense slipping up as far as their tackling/edge is concerned. It's warranted to some degree. The return of CJ Gardner-Johnson will definitely help.
CJGJ has that fire they need.
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) December 8, 2021
If they only knew how the season would unfold, the Saints would have had no hesitation in bringing in an accomplished quarterback like Rivers.
After the season, the Saints could let him walk into the sunset on his terms.
Instead, their four-year playoff streak is in danger of ending.
NEXT: The NFC South Race Died Down In Rapid Fashion