Would the San Diego Chargers seriously consider trading franchise quarterback Philip Rivers? Still only 33 and coming off two consecutive solid seasons, the veteran has become the face of the franchise. And while the team has failed to have postseason success under Rivers’ watch, he’s the organization’s best signal caller since Dan Fouts.
So a trade seems incredibly unrealistic, right?
Wrong.
As David Climer of The Tennessean points out, San Diego has scheduled a private workout for top quarterback prospect Marcus Mariota, who is unlikely going to be available with the team’s 17th pick. In the scenario that San Diego is actually targeting Mariota, it would have to trade up.
Enter into the equation a quarterback in Rivers who has publicly indicated he’s not willing to sign a long-term contract and has worries about a potential move of the Chargers from San Diego to Los Angeles. Set to become a free agent after next season, Rivers could very well end up being an expensive proposition for the Chargers moving forward.
With Zach Mettenberger being the only viable option on the Tennessee Titans roster, there’s little doubt that they are going to target a quarterback at some point in the draft. Would the team actually be willing to exhaust the second overall pick on Rivers? That’s what it would cost for the Titans to pry the 33-year-old Rivers away from San Diego. That selection is also the only way the Chargers might be able to guarantee themselves Mariota.
While a trade still might be unlikely, it wouldn’t be a major shock to hear more Rivers-related rumors in the weeks leading up to the draft.
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