Redskins, Colts Among Teams Eyeing Philip Rivers: Report

Getty Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on from the sidelines during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Estadio Azteca on November 18, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico.

Philip Rivers will no longer play for the Los Angeles Chargers. He moved his family away from California earlier this offseason, heading into Florida, sparking speculation that he would sign with a team in the sunshine state.

The Buccaneers are interested in Rivers and the Colts have generated a ton of buzz. Indianapolis appears to be a front-runner for Rivers’ services but nothing is certain.

Now, we are hearing, according to Tony Pauline of ProFootballNetwork.com, that the Redskins are expected to “make a bid” for the quarterback.

There has been chatter that the team isn’t pleased with Dwyane Haskins. Washington will reportedly host the top two quarterbacks in this year’s draft, Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa, on pre-draft visits. New Skins coach Ron Rivera has insisted that nothing will be handed to Haskins.

Sources tell Pauline that it would take a “massive offer” to convince Rivers to sign with the Redskins. It’s not certain what the market will look like for the 38-year-old veteran.

Rivera was previously an assistant with the Chargers while Rivers was the QB so there is some linkage between the franchise and the veteran.

Examining the Rivers-Tampa Bay Fit

Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians has gotten value out of veteran quarterbacks in the past. Carson Palmer’s tenure in Arizona with Arians was a major positive, one that led to a playoff berth.

Some within the Buccaneers organization believe that Rivers would be an upgrade on Jameis Winston, as the former No. 1 overall pick’s tendency to throw interceptions is a turn-off.

Winston is a free agent, though he appears to be behind Shaquil Barrett as far as the team’s priorities for the franchise tag. Winston could find another team this offseason, leaving the Bucs without a proven option at the position.

Tampa Bay holds the No. 14 overall pick in the 2020 draft, meaning they are unlikely to draft one a day-one starter. However, if they bring in Rivers, he could be a bridge to the next quarterback of the future in Central Florida.

More NFL  Rumors

• The Cowboys could use the exclusive franchise tag on Dak Prescott (via NFL.com’s Jeremy Bergman). It appears regardless of the type of deal Dak receives, he’s not going elsewhere.
• The Chargers have no plans to let Hunter Henry walk out the door. Hunter will “Absolutely” be getting the franchise tag, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports hears. Injuries have limited Henry during his career, though he’s shown promise when healthy.
• The Packers are unlikely to retain Bryan Bulaga. The right tackle will be hitting the free-agent market for the first time in his career, Tom Silverstein and Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report. It’s unlikely that the Packers use a franchise tag on the lineman.
• Patriots WR Mohamed Sanu will undergo surgery on his ankle, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports (Twitter link). The hope was that the injury would heal on his own but that is not the case. New England is expected to add a few pass catchers this offseason via either the draft or free agency. No word on whether Sanu’s injury will force the team to be more aggressive.

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