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NFL Rumors: Philip Rivers seeking contract worth $20 million per year

By Jonathan Bass

Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) yells at referees after a replay went against the Chargers during the third period against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) yells at referees after a replay went against the Chargers during the third period against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philip Rivers is reportedly seeking a hefty contract on the backend of his career.

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With Russell Wilson finally having reached a contract agreement with the Seattle Seahawks, that leaves Philip Rivers as the final quarterback lock down a big-money deal this offseason. And if the reports coming out of San Diego are true, the Chargers’ gunslinger is about to get P-A-I-D.

According to NFL insider Jason Cole, Rivers and the Chargers are currently in talks for an extension worth approximately $20 million per season. Cole also reports that the parties are hoping for a deal to manifest before the preseason begins. However, should both sides reach an impasse, Rivers will cut off negotiations until after the season so as not to be a distraction.

A contract worth $20 million per year would immediately vault Rivers into top-5 territory in terms of the league’s highest paid quarterback on a yearly basis. Currently the list is Rodgers No. 1, Wilson and his new deal at No. 2, and then Ben Roethlisberger and Cam Newton.

In his 11 seasons in the league, Rivers has passed for nearly 37,000 yards, and has 252 career touchdowns. He is two years removed from a sterling 2013 season in which he passed for 32 touchdowns to only 11 interceptions, and notched his best-ever completion percentage (69.5%). His number took a slight dip last season, as the completion percentage dropped 3% (though it was still above his career 64.7% mark) and his interceptions climbed to 18. Nonetheless, he still accrued 31 touchdowns.

There are arguments to be had both for and against paying Rivers such an exorbitant amount of money. Working against him is that he’s entering his 12th year in the league and will be 34-years-old before the season is over. Also, he’s only reached the playoffs in five seasons – once in the past five years.

On the high side, Rivers has proved extremely durable. After taking over starting duties in 2006, he has yet to miss a start. He’s also only had one losing season as a starter.

With Rivers under center the Chargers are always a part of the mix and a threat to make the playoffs. Whether they’re a threat to win the Super Bowl, now that’s another story. He’s a good-but-not-great player who is durable. Though, as he enters the twilight of his career, $20 million per season is a risky proposition for any player, especially a 34-year-old quarterback.

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