Philip Rivers’ last year in the NFL did not indicate any signs of slowing down.
In his 17th year in the league, the Alabama native finished with 4,169 passing yards and 24 touchdowns for the Indianapolis Colts.
He helped Indianapolis enter the playoffs with an 11-5 record but lost to the Buffalo Bills in their Wild Card showdown.
Aside from producing Pro Bowl-worthy numbers, Rivers started 252 consecutive games, a streak that ranks second behind Brett Favre.
The 2013 NFL Comeback Player of the Year is currently coaching high school football at St. Michael Catholic in Fairhope, Alabama.
Philip Rivers was pumped after winning his first game as head coach for St. Michael High School 👏
(via @BenThomasPreps)pic.twitter.com/eTqNoNXBGd
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 27, 2021
But with the way he played in 2020, he’s not closing the door to a potential return to the pros.
He still has the arm strength and the football wisdom to continue his playing career.
Therefore, teams in immediate need of quarterback help must reach out to the nine-time Pro Bowler.
However, recent developments show that these teams would need someone like Rivers the most.
2. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos’ limited talent at quarterback came back to haunt them.
They won their first three games because they fought against teams with lesser talent.
That’s why their offense was sufficient, and their defense looked elite.
The last four times the Cowboys have beaten the Broncos has been in a season they won the Super Bowl (1995, 1992, twice in 1977).
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) November 5, 2021
Unfortunately, they came crashing down once they started to play against tougher competition.
From a 3-0 start, the Broncos fell to the bottom of the AFC West with a 4-4 record.
Teddy Bridgewater does rarely make mistakes on the field.
I hate to say it but.. Josh Johnson looks better out there than Teddy Bridgewater has been looking 😳🤭
— E. (@1DopeCPA) November 5, 2021
However, he’s not as talented as Patrick Mahomes, Derek Carr, or Justin Herbert.
Therefore, upgrading their quarterback will come in handy, and Rivers could be the man for the job.
He would maximize Denver’s talented receiving corps of Tim Patrick, Jerry Jeudy, and Courtland Sutton.
.@JerryJeudy’s route-running is on another level. 😱 (via @thecheckdown)@Broncos | #BroncosCountry
📺: #WASvsDEN — Tomorrow 4:25pm ET on FOX
📱: NFL App pic.twitter.com/976lUJsiV6— NFL (@NFL) October 30, 2021
It would be nice to see him against the Chargers as well.
It’s in their best interest to sign Rivers to a two-year deal because the talent depth at quarterback for the 2022 NFL Draft is looking shallow.
Therefore, the Broncos get an insurance year from the future Hall of Famer if they don’t draft a play-caller.
1. New Orleans Saints
Rivers publicly declared that he would consider returning for New Orleans if they reached out.
There’s no fault in him choosing the Saints because they have a well-rounded team.
They don’t rack up eye-popping passing yards, but they win through intelligent situational football and Alvin Kamara’s presence.
Perhaps the Saints’ running back is the reason Rivers wanted another shot at playing quarterback.
Philip Rivers tells me he hasn’t heard from the Saints but would listen.
— Sam Farmer (@LATimesfarmer) November 2, 2021
The versatile player can control the game in many ways, and the veteran would love to facilitate his dominance.
This season, New Orleans’ offensive line is also one of the best, making Rivers feel protected when he’s inside the pocket.
The offense need not put up a ton of points because their defense with Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, and Marshon Lattimore has been lights out.
Tom Brady: *drops back to pass*
Saints Defense: pic.twitter.com/9bSIJKucrn
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) October 31, 2021
It doesn’t mean, though, that Rivers won’t do some heavy lifting if he ended up joining head coach Sean Payton.
However, the 2004 first-round draft choice could help stretch the field to create more problems for opposing defenses.
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