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NFL rumors: Will we see the return of Philip Rivers in 2023?

Los Angeles Chargers legend Philip Rivers is reportedly looking to return to the NFL and already has a few teams on his radar.

According to Rich Eisen, Rivers contacted the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins late in the 2022 season to offer his services, and both franchises apparently turned him down.

The 17-year NFL veteran retired after the 2020 season, spending the majority of his storied career on the Chargers. Rivers rejected the chance to help the New Orleans Saints during the 2021 season and said that year he wasn’t quite ready to suit up but didn’t completely rule out a comeback.

Well, he seems ready now.

Rivers put together a decent season in his last year in the league in 2020, completing 68 percent of his passes for over 4,000 yards and recording 24 touchdowns. Not bad for a 41-year old and possibly good enough to serve as a backup to a Super Bowl contender.

Rivers’ rumored desire to return to football makes fans wonder what would have happened if he had joined the 49ers late in their season run and played in the NFC Championship against the Philadelphia Eagles.

“What ifs” will continue to cloud Rivers’ career as the Chargers legend toys with a serious comeback in 2023. Both San Francisco and Miami could still be looking for a reliable veteran backup, but they turned down Rivers’ offer last year and may not have changed their minds since. One can easily imagine a desperate team like the Jets courting Rivers at the last minute if Aaron Rodgers decides he wants to stay in Green Bay.

Wherever he ends up, let’s just hope Rivers doesn’t give Tom Brady any ideas.