Philip Rivers to hit free agency, giving Bears another potential quarterback option

Share

The Bears figure to be in the market for a quarterback this offseason and one accomplished one is set to hit free agency.

The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Monday that Philip Rivers will not be re-signing with the team. The two sides mutually agreed to part ways, which means for the first time in his career Rivers will have a new home.

"As we talked through various scenarios, it became apparent that it would be best for Philip and the Chargers to turn the page on what has truly been a remarkable run,” Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said in a statement.

Rivers has been with the Chargers since they drafted him fourth overall in 2004. He made 235 starts with the Chargers, including 11 in the postseason, but was unable to guide the team to a Super Bowl.

He is top 10 all-time in multiple categories among quarterbacks, but he is 38. This past season Rivers threw for 23 touchdowns, his lowest in a season since 2007, and 20 interceptions, which was one off his career-high.

Does Rivers fit with the Bears? Would they be interested in him? That remains to be seen, but it does add a quarterback to the market and another team looking for a quarterback.

The Chargers reportedly will go after Tom Brady and Rivers’ exit certainly paves the way for that possibility. Ian Rapoport also reported that the Chargers could now put the franchise tag on tight end Hunter Henry, who would otherwise be a free agent. Henry would be a strong addition at a key position, and weak spot, for the Bears.

Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of the Bears.
Contact Us