Predicting each NFL teams starting quarterback on opening day 2019
By Jake Starr
Los Angeles Chargers: Phillip Rivers
There is always the chance Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers could retire after this season at 37-years old. But there is nothing pointing towards Rivers walking away, so all signs point to him returning to Los Angeles for the 2019 season.
Rivers turned in one of his best seasons in 2018, going 12-4 and leading the Chargers to a playoff spot for the first time since 2013. The North Carolina State product tossed for 4,308 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Since becoming the starter in 2006, Rivers has not missed a game. In his time in San Diego/Los Angeles, Rivers has been one of the more underappreciated quarterbacks across the league. Since two bad seasons in 2015 and 2016, Rivers and the Chargers have turned it around.
No one knows how much longer Rivers will play, but if he can sustain his high level of play moving forward, then maybe he can turn in a couple of more good seasons in Los Angeles before retiring. There are no signs of slowing down from Rivers, so why should we believe a decline is coming.
For now, the quarterback position appears to be stable for the Chargers. But, with Rivers getting up there in age, it wouldn’t be surprising if they start to draft some quarterbacks in the middle of the draft to develop for when Rivers does decide to hang up the cleats.