Los Angeles Chargers: Giving Up On Rivers, But Not A Future

Philip Rivers is a modern-day Dan Marino. All the stats and accolades of one of the all-time greats but none of the Super Bowl wins. Rivers himself might not have all the records as Marino but statistically, he’s right on his heels.

Rivers (59,271) only needs one more full season to pass Marino (61,361) in passing yards passing Marino for fifth all-time. He’ll need only 60 more completions to pass Marino. 23 more touchdowns and they’ll tie for the passing touchdowns. While stats he falls neck and neck with Marino, to pass him for fifth in most categories but falls further down the list when it comes to wins. Philip Rivers is ninth all-time with 123 wins but has 101 losses (54.9%).

One of the more impressive stats is his consecutive start streak. Including playoff appearances, at 224 consecutive games, he sits second only behind Brett Favre’s 291 for such a streak.

More NFL: Is Rivers the Next Dan Marino?

When it’s all said and done, going into his 16th season, Philip Rivers will end up being a top 5 quarterback. 15 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers and the team has decided to move on. They have the sixth pick in the NFL Draft with a deep draft class coming out at quarterback.

Although drafting their future franchise quarterback is probably in the cards this season, letting Rivers walk this offseason is a mistake. By giving up on a future Hall of Farmer, they’re missing out on an opportunity to groom their rookie. Even though the Chargers have a journeyman quarterback in Tyrod Taylor, Rivers could ease the transition to winning seasons for the rookie.

Maybe it’s the 5-win season that made the Chargers decide to walk away. It could be the money they’ll save by walking away from that they can turn into better pieces of the puzzle via free agency. Or maybe it’s just time to walk away. Joe Montana didn’t always play for the 49ers. Donovan McNabb didn’t always play for the Eagles. Peyton Manning didn’t always play for the Colts. Some times it’s just better for teams to move on for all parties involved. Maybe that’s the case with Philip Rivers.

Whatever reason the two sides have for partying ways, Rivers will be welcomed with open arms to his new team. He might be past his prime but he still has some good football left in him. Where will his sixteenth season be played? Plenty of teams ought to be calling and surely before the draft.