Philip Rivers Speculation Ends/Begins

February 10th, 2020

A quarterback who threw for 4,615 yards last season with 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions will have a new team in 2020.

Today, the Chargers announced Philip Rivers will not return for a 17th season with the team.

What’s unclear is whether he’s officially been released already, but general manager Tom Telesco said the Rivers release will “allow everyone to put themselves in the best position for success in 2020.”

That should mean Rivers will be a free man very soon, much like how the Bucs cut Josh McCown in mid-February of 2015, in order to give McCown a head start on finding a new team.

Rivers has said he wants to keep playing. Who could blame him? The money is good, he’s super durable, and he’s still better than a lot of quarterbacks.

There’s been all kinds of speculation about Rivers potentially replacing America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston.

Joe’s interest is in how the Bucs handle Rivers’ availability. Do they bring him in for a workout and a brain-picking session? Of course, that would be instant real — and/0r smokescreen — leverage with Jameis, assuming the Bucs want Jameis to return.

Do they talk to Rivers about how much money he wants to best gauge the market? Suppose Rivers is willing to play for $18 million plus incentives ? He only earned $16 million last year.

Joe’s not lobbying for Rivers to quarterback the Bucs in 2020. But Joe would love to see the Bucs seriously look at Rivers. At least, that should be a good learning experience if done correctly. Team Glazer should order this ASAP.

120 Responses to “Philip Rivers Speculation Ends/Begins”

  1. Dreghost Says:

    Honestly i don’t feel like rivers have more talent than Winston i just feel like from a attitude and leader stand point he’s better! Rivers throws picks as well but not in the manner that Jamies does, in BA i trust!

  2. BrianBucs Says:

    This is not really breaking news or a surprise as we all have known this was coming for quite some time.
    100% agree with Joe that Bucs should bring Rivers in for a talk and a workout to see what he has left in his arm. Then each party can gauge the others interest.
    Would like to see what Rivers could do with the weapons that the Bucs have because he sure didn’t have them in San Diego.

  3. Tom S. Says:

    Rivers is the epitome of a short term fix where even the short term gains are in question. The guy threw 20 INTs last year, is 38 years old and seemed to lose a little off of his fastball in the process. Desperation play by Licht and Co if it happens.

  4. Loyaltotheend Section 312 Says:

    What’s the harm in bringing him in for a visit?

    Well when your starter is mentally soft and couldn’t handle having Fitz play better than him what makes anyone think he wouldn’t melt down with having a borderline Hall of Famer chat with the team?

    Ha ha ha

  5. Bruce Blahak Says:

    looking forward to this “WinSTUNNED is DONE, in Tampa” …

  6. Tampa Steve Says:

    Tom S: what exactly is the longterm fix?

  7. BamaRich Says:

    Zero sum zero gain

  8. Ocala Says:

    Bucs would be a mediocre team with Rivers as the QB.

    Take a look at his passes last year….out patterns to the wide side of field are fluttering in the air. There is a reason the Charges went 5-11 and they don’t want him anymore.

  9. FB Says:

    Lets hope they officially release him then the bidding can begin for Winston and Him. In BA I trust too. If they offer Winston $18M/yr with something other than his full salary guaranteed in year 2 and he balks, he may not get that as a backup elsewhere. That way, whether it is him or rivers, a draft pick would have some time to develop. although I would think Rivers would be the better developing QB guide over winston.

    You can tell this is a JoeSteve post as it doesn’t have the lobbying media flavor too it. Lee has run my comments due to his mancrush on Winston/Manziel/#Entertainers not football players. He is already ranting about Bruce, who is as good as a coach as we have had since Gruden. When his boy gets run, he will be calling for BA’s job with every incomplete pass.

  10. Bucsfanman Says:

    1st and foremost, Jameis is NOT the ONLY option, and this team would do itself a disservice looking at it any other way.
    Whether they retain him or not, they better have someone in the wings. Who’s your back-up? Um, EXACTLY!!!

  11. Pewter power Says:

    Winston picks are my only issue but it’s a huge freaking issue. Cant throw double digit interceptions every year in the league and stick

    I mean honestly 14 interceptions last year in a year he was benched and only started 11 games? There’s a lot of people saying he has talent because of this one year, he cant be considered an overachiever when you have the interceptions to go along with those good stats

  12. Tampa Bay Demon Says:

    BrianBucs Says:
    “(Rivers) sure didn’t have (weapons) in San Diego.”

    ~~~~~~~~~

    He had Keenan Allen, who has caught 95+ passes for over 1,000 yards in 3 straight years, and made some Pro Bowls.

    I am not opposed to taking a look at Rivers, either. I am a little concerned though, with the season he had last year, because he does have some weapons. Not OURS of course. But some.

  13. Tampa Bay Demon Says:

    ^^ Oh yea, and I know you meant LA, not SD. — LOL — I am still guilty of that myself, sometimes.

  14. PSL Bob Says:

    I just don’t see how Rivers is going to work. If he’s brought in, you’d definitely have to draft a QB, and probably in Rd#1. I’m not sure a long-term solution is sitting at the #14 pick. I’d rather franchise Jameis, draft a safety and RB in Rds #1 and 2, pick up a replacement for Dotson in FA, and draft some developmental linemen in later rounds. I know it’s unpopular, but I think we need to kick the QB issue another year down the road while we plug our other holes. Remember, if the defense played in the first half of the season as well as they did the second half, this team, even with Jameis’ picks, would have made the playoffs last year. We’re not that far off provided we can keep the defense in tact. Unfortunately Perriman and Brate are going to have to walk the plank to free up cap space to ensure we’re able to keep all of the UFA starting D-linemen from last year.

  15. Stanglassman Says:

    I watched a lot of charger games last year and Rivers looked like a shell of himself. Maybe he’s on the steep decline or possibly playing through an injury. If they take that into consideration they’d have to consider the fact that Jameis played through the thumb and MCL injury as well. Factoring in injury is not making excuses for either Qb’s play it’s smart when your making such an important decision.

  16. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Franchise Winston or give Winston a contract with a quick out (2-3 years).

    Rivers won’t be playing in Tampa unless he agrees to a low cost backup deal…maybe with games start incentives to boost it up.

  17. Stanglassman Says:

    Some weapons? I’d say at least comparable. Keenan Alan, Mike Williams, Hunter Henry, Ekler and Melvin Gordon. Better overall talent and more balanced. All of them weren’t available for all the games but no Qb including ours had all there weapons every game. There defense was ranked in the top 10, some had them at 6 others 8th in 2019. Bagley is a very good kicker too. If Rivers couldn’t get it done with this team I’m don’t see why anyone would think he could here. There’s a reason why they’re kicking him to the curb.

  18. Aceofaerospace Says:

    In BA I trust. Whatever the call is. But I reserve the right to use the Mr Pick-6 moniker until it no longer applies. Unlike Joe, I’ll stop using it when it no longer applies.

  19. SteveK Says:

    Bonzai,

    Rivers might replace Winston. And who is signing Jameis for a starter, of Rivers is taking backup money? Come on broski!

  20. SteveK Says:

    Stanglassman Says:
    February 10th, 2020 at 3:53 pm
    Some weapons? I’d say at least comparable. Keenan Alan, Mike Williams, Hunter Henry, Ekler and Melvin Gordon. Better overall talent and more balanced. All of them weren’t available for all the games but no Qb including ours had all there weapons every game. There defense was ranked in the top 10, some had them at 6 others 8th in 2019. Bagley is a very good kicker too. If Rivers couldn’t get it done with this team I’m don’t see why anyone would think he could here. There’s a reason why they’re kicking him to the curb.

    ———————

    This can literally be said about Jameis. And, Jameis is less successful/efficient with the football.

    Rivers still threw 10 less picks than Jameis. And Jameis threw 49! Interceptable Balls.

    The same can be said, insert different names for a Jameis to go. So if a Jameis supporter can see a reason for Jameis to stay, then there can be as much to be said for Rivers. Let’s be objective.

  21. Alaskan Abdominal Snowman Says:

    Yeah Rivers throws lots of INTs but he’s white so it’s ok.

  22. SteveK Says:

    Mr Pick 6 is appropriate.

    After all, Joe refers to him being a pro bowl alternate. Why not refer to his stand alone nfl record: 30/30, Mr Pick 6, Mr Entertainment, etc…. that would be funny, accurate and truthful. Or if Joe gave Jameis a nick name list like P.King and T.Bassigner. Something like “Uber-hasslin”.

  23. SteveK Says:

    Alaska,

    Don’t be naive. Look at the turnovers. Stats, turnovers, wins and losses.

    Yards and points mean nothing if they cost you football games because of a sacrifice to the turnover margin.

  24. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Why would Rivers get a raise from last year…..he’s been cut….one year older…..threw some picks……buyer’s market on QBs……

    I’d say $14 mill would be about right….or take a walk……now, here’s the question……is Rivers plus $13 mil better than Winston…..
    Answer….it depends on what you do with the extra $13 mil.

  25. Alaskan Abdominal Snowman Says:

    If Jameis is QB of the chargers and Rivers is the QB here next year , Chargers fans will be laughing at how stupid we were. I will join them.

  26. J Says:

    When are we going to start talking about Tampa moving up to the #1 spot?

    Apparently they’ve contacted Cincy along with 4 other teams about trading up.

  27. Defense Rules Says:

    Not at all in favor of signing a 38-year-old QB, regardless of who it is, BUT … on looking at Rivers career one thing really stood out to me: he’s an Ironman. First 2 years in the league he barely played (mop-up in 4 total games), but started EVERY GAME after that. As in 14 seasons, 16 games every season, 224 straight starts. As in ‘Never missed a game’ it looks like. Wow, that’s impressive.

  28. thisisouryear!! Says:

    Such a tough call. I think I’d take Rivers over Winston and draft a QB of the future. I think my preference would be Stafford, Brady, Bridgewater, Dalton, and then Rivers. But I trust Arians. That being said I really want a fresh start from America’s groper, crab leg stealing, I’m balling that’s me, everyone laughs at me bc they don’t know int vs td QB King Famous Jameis.

  29. AlteredEgo Says: Your comment is awaiting moderation. Says:

    Says:
    February 10th, 2020 at 4:16 pm
    When are we going to start talking about Tampa moving up to the #1 spot?

    Apparently they’ve contacted Cincy along with 4 other teams about trading up.
    .
    .
    I’ve thought about sending all our 2020 picks in exchange…still would not be enough for Cincy to take the deal

  30. Tom S. Says:

    @Tampa Steve, well there are a number of QB’s who will be in the league in 3 years. And as Rivers seems to be declining the odds that he is an NFL starter in his early 40’s like Tom Brady was is close to 0.

    QB’s who will likely be in the league in 2022 who are currently Free Agents: Jameis Winston, Ryan Tannehill, Marcus Mariotta, Teddy Bridgewater

  31. J Says:

    I can’t imagine Rivers not being successful in Tampa only because he’s an all around pro, kinda know what you’re getting imo.

  32. This Guy Says:

    If Rivers comes to Tampa money is going to be a big factor.
    BA really wants this Def back and that’s going to cost big $$
    Plus they want to extend Godwin which is more $$

    So the question is do the Bucs have:
    30 Mil for QB (JW or another FA)
    or 20 Mil (Some FA’s Rivers, Teddy or Dalton?)
    or are the going to go no the cheap and get a rookie?

  33. Eric Says:

    I’ve loved Rivers ever since he came out of college.

    But is it really improvement for ten less pics when you get ten less tds? And less yards?

    Tough call.

    I’d go with Jaboo though. He did prove he can improve. He was better moving around the pocket and accuracy on the long ball. He did have an injured thumb and no Evan’s those last two.

  34. geno711 Says:

    Interesting stuff.
    As we have seen here on this site and quotes from countless football executives and players opinions on Jameis, quarterback play can definitely be in the eye of the beholder.

    I tend to agree with fans that say Rivers will be less mobile and that could be a big concern. But doesn’t Rivers pick up the blitz a little better than Jameis and doesn’t he have a little quicker release. Certainly he does not seem to have the arm strength that Jameis currently has. But hasn’t he been elite at dropping the ball off to his running back’s – something B.A. has done in the past and something Jameis never has seemed that comfortable doing. Also, wasn’t B.A. fine with Carson Palmer who was even less mobile than Rivers.

    But who is to know whether Arians thinks whether Rivers is a down grade or an upgrade.

    Apparently, the San Diego coach has loved Tyrod Taylor because of their time in Buffalo together. He gave Taylor 11 million over 2 years last year. Apparently, he is also looking for a running quarterback and is considering Cam Newton. Seems like they may be in on Love for the draft then.

    Eye of beholder – coach, owner, GM. Who knows?

    P.S. Rivers had an off year last year in 2019 and another in 2016 but did you see how good his 2017 and 2018 years were. Pretty slick. Who knows which version a team would get except all you guys that watched every snap of Philip Rivers last year.

  35. Craig Says:

    If Jameis is franchised or Rivers comes the Bucs still need to draft a QB in 2-4 round. A franchised Jameis will be an unhappy Jameis. If he does well he will be incredibly expensive in 2021. Rivers will be retired in 2021, if not in 2020.

    James Morgan and Anthony Gordon have a lot of potential. Morgan, maybe, more so. He did a lot at FIU with little supporting cast.

  36. Proudbucsfan Says:

    IMO, and I’m not close to being a GM, maybe we should tag Jameis and package him with pics to the bangles for The # 1 pick so we can land burrow. He is by far the best pro ready QB coming out.

  37. NPRSageBoy. Says:

    JayMiss belongs on the Vipers.

    He’s a third rate QB in a third rate league. Let’s see if Trestman can fix him.

    Maybe he can hold Glanville’s Elvis tickets.

    Remember: I’m ballin’; check your sheets.

    Hopefully, soon to be famous last words to go with his final Pick-6 as an NFL starter.

    Peace, out

  38. allhailJPP Says:

    I’m fine with it….walks in door…immediate respect..leadership….not eating w’s..not making stupid faces..not fake ra-ra guy….and def not saying.. “I need to get better” every week at the presser after a loss

  39. Proudbucsfan Says:

    I’m mean Bengals

  40. Robert Says:

    Jw deserving another year is laughable. If a sales rep sold 20 million, but lost the company money he’d be fired.

    no different here. he simply threw $hit against the wall. some stuck (thanks to the best WR duo in the league)…….but there were SOOOO many stinkers, not just the turnovers…the ones the other team dropped.

    drop the crabman and get Brady. Rivers…..meh all the way from the west coast with 17 kids…that guy would just be collecting a check.

  41. Robert Says:

    one thing is for sheezy, with the veteran options available, there won’t be much market for crabman. A draft pick would be a smarter choice if they want a young guy.

    thats the only reason he might take a friendly deal and gets another shot.

  42. TexBuc Says:

    After reading all the comments I am sold! We will sign Rivers and move on from Winston!

    I forgot the Glazers have the final say and Winston is not going anywhere.

  43. Buczilla Says:

    I don’t think that Rivers is an upgrade over Winston but I’m also not a “quarterback whisperer”. If Arians wants to switch them out, I’m not going to lose any sleep, but it seems like a dumb move given that Jameis is still so young and has at least a slight chance in hell to improve. Imho, Rivers is well past his prime.

  44. tickrdr Says:

    @J:
    Reposted from the Brate thread.

    tickrdr Says:
    February 10th, 2020 at 2:31 pm

    I would see what Cincinnati wants for that #1 overall pick.
    It might take Joe Burrow saying he wouldn’t play for Cincinnati?
    It would probably take quite a bit, if they would even consider it.
    Perhaps our #14 this year, and our #1 next year, plus one of either Howard or Brate.
    Better yet, sign and then trade Jameis, and keep one of those picks.
    (ducks and tries to run for cover……. too old for that chit)

    tickrdr

  45. tickrdr Says:

    @ProudBucsfan:

    Sorry didn’t see your post, but I have been thinking the same thing for days.

    tickrdr

  46. TexBuc Says:

    Price would be closer to 3 #1’s and 2 or 3 #2’s too move from 14 to 1.

  47. BucEmUp Says:

    This is BEYOND STUPID!!!!!!!! The Bucs need to work out a deal with Winston and continue to build the trenches and defense. Keep drafting talent and surround him with a good team. The guy finished the season with a winning record when the defense was playing well and doing their part this shouldn’t be a difficult decision.

    I really hope he goes to Tennessee if they let him walk and wins a Super Bowl in OUR CITY just to rub yalls noses in it REAL
    good!!!

  48. Eric Says:

    Can anyone think of a team that signed a QB free agent n this age range and it ended up working out?

    Maybe Manning to Denver?

    I guess Montana and the Chiefs years ago.

    The list ain’t long……

  49. Bucsfanman Says:

    tickrdr and ProudBucsfan- Maybe, MAYBE Burrows is the guy. Isn’t the best case scenario one that has a vet (like Rivers) come in along with a rookie? What if the rook isn’t ready game #1? At least you have a solid back-up plan, figuratively AND literally!
    IMO, if the Bucs are “moving on” from Jameis, they are going to want someone in there that can play right NOW. Long story short, they better have a back-up plan.
    All said, they need to do whatever makes this TEAM better.

  50. stpetebucsfan Says:

    So imagine this if you’re the Bengals…the #1 pick..the best looking NFL ready QB to come out in awhile…a hometown Cincinnati star…in exchange for ONE pick? TWO picks. We’re talking a true franchise QB versus two extra picks? Not likely.

  51. stravenite Says:

    Rivers will not be a long term consideration, he will get a two year contract and we will draft Love to learn during BA’s final term. Makes sense as we will not pay Rivers more than what JW had this year, rookie contract for follow-up and still left with three years after Rivers is gone, proper succession planning and two years to grow for Love (ANO). This leaves $70 mill to resign defensive pieces we want, draft a RT and RB and room to trade.

    Go Bucs !

  52. Bucsfanman Says:

    BucEm- I think it still works out if the Bucs keep Winston but draft someone. We don’t have a back-up QB. What’s the worst that could happen?
    Jameis thrives we win OR
    Jameis doesn’t and we have a competent back-up?
    Building the team through the trenches is just a start. Whether you care to admit it or not, Jameis cannot continue to turn the ball over. This statement is not specific to Jameis, though he is the league leader, it’s 50 years of NFL data.
    You can truly make arguments for BOTH sides!

  53. J Says:

    Yes Tickrdr, a kings ransom to obtain the #1 obviously but it’s an interesting debate. We have a ton of cash and dropping JW would only free up more of that. This is all predicated on the fact Tampa has the trade nailed down.

    The fact that Tampa has reached out to Cincy makes it all that more intriguing.

  54. tickrdr Says:

    @SPBF:
    Completely agree that it is very unlikely, unless Joe Burrow and his agent refuse to have him play in Cincinnati. I just think the Bucs should be doing due diligence to see just what it would cost to move up in the draft, not just to #1, but all spots higher, especially if they think another player is worth the price.
    I know this is an extremely unpopular opinion on this site (hence the run for cover)

    tickrdr

  55. ATrain Says:

    No secret I think Jamies should GO

    But I don’t think this is the replacement

    Maybe Carr or a Brady (if you draft a QB)

    But Rivers I think is done

  56. Gambelero Says:

    I’m worried about how Winston handles the situation. Will he invite Rivers and his family to stay at his house, take him down to One Buc and personally introduce him to Arians and the Glazers, so he, Jameis, can go start the HOF, championship-winning portion of his career at a team with better owners?

  57. BucEmUp Says:

    BucFan, I get it…I know the ints are bad. But Rivers a guy who threw 23 and 20 is WORSE than Jameis. Again I don’t care about the numbers I care about the wins. I’be been pounding the table, screaming from the mountain tops and going nuts over the last 4 1/2 seasons watching him try to win games with the worst defense imaginable. Just like all his haters always say ” You can’t win games turning the ball over” (Even though he was the last half of 2019) You ALSO can’t win games with a league worst completion percentage allowed, points allowed and yards allowed defensive unit!!!!! AGAIN, he finished the season with a winning record once the defense did their job and that was STILL with a crap running game.

    To get rid of him would just be history repeating itself for this team and beyond idiotic. He finished the season without two of the leagues best wide receivers, no running game, an OC who has no business calling plays and doesn’t know how to use the tight ends on the roster, a broken hand AND I didn’t even know the guy was blind as a bat all these years. There is too much evidence pointing to keeping him. Peoples hatred for him because he was accused of rape and someone giving hi some free crab legs are blinding them from the other problem this team has had across the board. It’s truly mind blowing to try and understand but it’s right here on tis site every day!

  58. TexBuc Says:

    BucEmUp well said!

  59. tickrdr Says:

    If I were the Bucs’ GM, and had only to answer to my owners, my first question re: the play of the first-string QB to my “brain trust” (coaches, assistants, consultants etc.) and to myself would be:
    1) How do you know if our team has a “franchise QB”, one good enough to take us to the Super Bowl? What criteria do you use for such an evaluation?
    2) Is our guy a “franchise QB”, i.e. has he played well enough to take us to the playoffs and Super Bowl. So far the answer to me for JW3 is clearly NO, as he has yet to even make the playoffs, let alone make it to the Super Bowl.
    3) If he is NOT yet a “franchise QB”, how soon or can we ever expect him to develop into one? If the answer is NEVER, then why are you wasting further time and money. The cost to sign that player seems totally irrelevant to me. For instance, if the Bucs wanted me to be that “franchise QB”, and then saw me play, they would immediately and correctly surmise that I was NOT that player, and signing me to any kind of deal would be foolish, even if I would be willing to play for a sandwich and cabfare (no Uber though)! So, a team-friendly deal for a player who is deemed not the future makes no sense.
    4) If he is not yet, but can become a “franchise QB”, how long will it take, and again how will we know?
    I completely agree with you that there are two sides to this discussion, each with their own valid points.
    The “productivity” Winston “fans and sycophants” care only about yards and TDs.
    The “turnovers” Winston “haters” care only about INTs, fumbles lost, and boneheaded decisions.
    As I’ve posted many times you need BOTH. Many TDs and few INTs.
    At a minimum, twice as many TDs as INTs. a TD/INT ratio of > 2:1.
    TD percentage 5% or greater.
    And it would be nice to have a future MVP on our hands.
    As posted above, I like to subtract their INT% from their TD% and generate a number, and hopefully that comes out close to these!
    2019 Lamar Jackson: TD% – INT% = 7.5
    2018 Mahomes = 6.5
    2017 Brady = 4.4
    2016 Ryan = 5.8
    2015 Newton = 5.1
    2014 Rodgers = 6.3
    2013 Manning = 6.8
    Winston’s best year to date was only 1.8, and last year that calculation yielded only 0.5!

    tickrdr

  60. Buc4evr Says:

    Rivers is not the answer, the guy is done, doesn’t have the arm and will get killed by our porous O-line and no running game. Sure bring him in for leverage If that helps with Winston negotiations, but at the very least franchise tag Jameis and draft a QB.

  61. Eric Says:

    He is not playing for less than 30 mil per year.

  62. tickrdr Says:

    Unfortunately, I don’t think there is a QB available, free agent or draft, with possible exception of Drew Brees, who could take the Bucs to the SuperBowl next year. I have yet to see a single season from JW3 where I could believe he could EVER take us there. Yes, his yards and TDs both went up last year, but I still think it is only because he was even more reckless with the ball, which unfortunately also increased his INTs. So, that leaves drafting the next QB, in hopes he can become the Bucs “franchise QB”. JMHO.

    tickrdr

    BTW: Those listing the five year totals of other QBs and comparing JW3 to them, seem to always ignore the fact that all of the others have had that one GREAT season in those first 5 years, that is a harbinger of things to come. For instance, Matt Stafford had one year early in his career with 41 TDs, and only 16 INTs. Despite five tries, not a single year for Winston like that.

  63. BigHog Says:

    Just call him Mr. 5,000…having the better receivers is only half of the connection!!

  64. Tc Says:

    If it not an upgrade from Winston, why do it? Rivers has not won anything with loaded teams, he is 38 and he has lost velocity and accuracy on his throws. Plus he can’t move and will get killed behind our offensive line.

  65. Cobraboy Says:

    ProudBucs and tickrdoc: nobody would trade their #1 for a one-year franchised player, without a frickin’ TON of other player and pics.

    Too expensive and I hope never happens. We saw what happened when the Glazers went all-in for Gruden, depleting the team of top college talent for years.

  66. Pewter power Says:

    Its impossible to give up the house for the number 1 overall pick and the glazers would never go for it. Look what happened with Gruden just giving up draft picks and trading for him, he got the trophy but roster got old really fast and he was horrible at drafting players.

    But now that I think about it licht doesnt hit very often in the first and second round so might as well give them up the next two years.

  67. nano107 Says:

    No arm strength
    Look at his deep yard passes went down
    He is done Stop this not worth signing maybe as backup

  68. Jeagan1999 Says:

    I think Rivers only makes sense if you are committed to also getting a Herbert or Eason in the draft. The savvy veteran QB brought in to mentor the promising young guy! But I also don’t think it’s fair to write Rivers obituary as a top player just yet either. Sure, his arm is not what it was a few years ago, but it’s still strong, and he is still…by all accounts….one of the smartest guys there is when it comes to recognizing and reading defenses( I’ve heard people compare his football IQ to Peyton Manning). Is he a long term fix….absolutely not, but could he mentor a young guy while still playing at a high level? I think a lot of “football” people think he could.

    The next few weeks leading up to free agency should be interesting.

  69. Doc Says:

    Rivers will not last two games,dropping back throwing fifty passes in this no offense line or running back, see you on I.R.

  70. mark2001 Says:

    Love all the armchair GM’s. Rivers arm strength? Belicheat says he still has it. I don’t know..you don’t know. But Bruce will.

    Can Jameis ever develop into a Franchise quality QB? Will he accept less than 30 mil, maybe a 23 plus incentives? I don’t know, but Bruce likely does.

    Which QB’s available, by rank order, give us the best chance to win? Bruce likely knows.

    Is there a QB we can draft as a backup that will likely be on the board when we draft, particularly in the second or third round? Bruce has a good idea who he prefers.

    Bottom line…we don’t know, but Bruce has a good idea. In Bruce I trust.

  71. Tye Says:

    Rivers would be a welcome pain reliever to the Migraine that is Winston but such a move will be short lived if they don’t draft a quality QB for long term..

    If Arians doesn’t want to spend the time grooming the Bucs future QB, then Carr, Dalton or Bridgewater would be the ideal outcome!

  72. DoooshLaRue Says:

    Shut the eff up Big Hog.
    You only like JayMiss BECAUSE he’s black.
    Your comments prove it.

    I saw it so I had to say something.

    You prick.

  73. Anonymous Says:

    Rather have Winston than flacco and rivers. Rather have neither really

  74. BucEmUp Says:

    Pewter power, how many of the first and second round draft picks over the last 6 years have been Jason lichts choices vs lovie, koetter and.smittys choices?

    If you licht for all thats explains it all

  75. wantstastayabuc Says:

    BucEmUp,
    He was accused of rape (paid her off), accused of groping an uber driver against her will (paid her off), lied to his team, fans, etc. about the uber “hassle” as Joe calls it, implied the uber driver made the accusation because his “presence made her uncomfortable” (i.e. she’s racist), lied about free/stealing seafood from publix (completely walked back his public apology). He’s not a good guy. How is it so hard to believe that people can want him gone and still see that the team has room to grow?

  76. tickrdr Says:

    @Cobraboy:
    Agree completely that no one would trade for a player on a “one year rental from a franchise tag”, and that is not what I was suggesting. But if signing a player to a three year contract for instance makes that player more “tradeable”, then as I suggested above, I feel the Bucs should do due diligence to see what each team above them would want in a potential trade for their pick, especially if there is a player they really covet. Again this is extremely unlikely in any event, but you never know unless you try. In any negotiation, what you offer first, becomes the floor of any eventual price.

    Just for fun, the NFL draft point chart suggests the the #1 pick is worth 3000 points. The #14 pick is worth about 1100 points. The #19 pick (OJ Howard was this pick) is worth 875. Next year’s 1st rounder is worth ?1000+? Clearly a good QB at the top of the draft would likely be worth more, but how do you know what they want, unless you ask, and then calculate the cost. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Again, maybe Burrow wants no part in playing for Cincinnati?

    As I’ve posted above, for me the decision rests with whether or not Winston is the QB to take you to the SB or not. No one knows that answer for sure, and the rest are just opinions.

    tickrdr

  77. SB Says:

    Honestly anyone who pines for Rivers over JW just doesn’t know football.

  78. BrianBucs Says:

    If the Bucs would have had Rivers this season instead of America’s Turnovers Machine, Mr. Pick 6 , they would have made the playoffs

  79. TexBuc Says:

    It is not Rivers many want they just don’t want Winston. Most poster do not know the difference from Power to Zone Run.

  80. adam from ny Says:

    the bucs are looking to swap their no. 1 pick and chris godwin to cincinnati for the no. 1 pick…

    to grab joe burrow…

    real talk

  81. adam from ny Says:

    joe look ^^^^^^^^^^^^

  82. adam from ny Says:

    get on it joe

  83. SteelStudBuc Says:

    Adam from NY

    Where on earth did you hear this?

  84. Defense Rules Says:

    Adam from NY … Swapping #1 picks plus Godwin to Cincy doesn’t make a lick of sense. Chris only has 1 year left on his contract, and the point value difference between the #1 & #14 picks is almost 2,000 points. IOW, Cincy would get screwed if they made that swap & they know better.

    And if it’s ‘real talk’, what’s the source?

  85. ModHairKen Says:

    An ancient, weak-armed, wooden Indian with less mobility than Yertle the Turtle, who never was happy in LA, and maybe has one year left over a kid who wants to be here, leads in the locker room, threw for over 5,000 yards, and is less than 27 years of age.

    Genius.

    And don’t give the INT crap. This team will win 6 games with that stiff Rivers.

    If you want to make a splash and have given up on Jameis, open the bank and sign Brady. If you sell 10,000 more seats next year, you break even on the gate and extra ridiculously overpriced warm beer and stale-ass hot dogs you will sell. Not to mention a bunch of Brady jerseys.

  86. catcard202 Says:

    Adam:
    CIN is not giving up the #1 pick….Joe Burrow is a Natty Champ & Heisman Trophy winner from SE Ohio kid (Athens)…He’s CIN ticket sales & merchandise dream boat for the next 2yrs….No other pick, not Young, not Tua, not Herbert brings that to the Queen City..No one else in this draft brings Mike Brown the return on investment that Burrow does. It’s a done deal. Mike Brown is not passing up free money!

    If you had throw out that TB was trying to get Dalton out of CIN for a 4th Rd COMP pick…I might have bought it. But NO WAY does Burrow not end-up going to CIN @ #1

    (WAS is taking tOSU OLB Young – Book it…That means DET is the gate-keeper to the 2nd QB off the board.)

  87. ModHairKen Says:

    And Adam from NY, if you think the Bengals are going to make that trade, you need to check in to TGH right now because you have lost your damn mind. They would be laughed out of the NFL for getting rooked.

  88. Fb Says:

    The question really is Winston and a quality backup and a draft pick, or rivers and a draft pick. You can’t give Winston another leashless season. If he is making bad decisions in the first half of the season, yank him and get plan b ready for the playoffs if the defense is holding up

  89. wantstastayabuc Says:

    BucEmUp
    I tried to explain why its not “mind blowing” to want Winston gone, but I was moderated out of that conversation. Given that, I’ll just say, most people have good reason, football and beyond, to want to move on.

  90. Bird Says:

    Throw out phillip rivers last year (again it could be father time finally catching up with him )

    For the 6 years before last year , he averaged around 4500 yards 30 tds and 14 ints a season. Thats what you want 2 to 1 td to int ratio

    Jameis has never been close to 2 to 1

  91. Stanglassman Says:

    Jameis had TD/INT 40/10 in college and 19/11 in 2017. That’s four to one and close to two to one here on a bad team.

  92. Jonzey Says:

    Why would we get Rivers old a** we need to sign Winston

  93. tickrdr Says:

    @Bird:

    +1

    tickrdr

  94. Bankieb Says:

    What about taysom hill?

  95. Bird Says:

    ^^^^

    Who cares what he did in college. Gimme a break
    Not surprised with selective stats though

    He only played in 13 gAmes …not 16. So what would it have been for 16 games
    Also. It was 19 tds and 11 picks and 10 fumbles
    Also bucs were 5-11 that year so yah. Great season
    😂

  96. Alaskan Abdominal Snowman Says:

    What about Tim Tebow?

  97. SteelStudBuc Says:

    Alaska’s jock sniffer

    Are u on your period again?

  98. LaMarcus Says:

    Get out of here with that. Jameis ratio of 2/10000 is still better than Rivers.

  99. adam from ny Says:

    i’m telling you the bucs are interested in moving up to #1 and grabbing burrow…

    sources have said this is real…

    if it takes more than #14 pick and godwin, i don’t know, but the bucs wanna move into the #1 spot and draft burrow…

    unless this is a ploy to knock jameis’ value down or something so he will sign for less…

    you guys are acting like this is something i want…it’s not…

  100. Buc1987 Says:

    Source : Dan Sileo

  101. Bird Says:

    Yah.

    Agree. Its dan sileo
    They would have to give up 1st and 2nd round picks for 2 years straight. Plus maybe other picks on top of that

  102. Jean Lafitte Says:

    At this point there is no difference between Jameis and Rivers body of work.

    They’re both been equally awful and unreliable. …but,

    Rivers can be brought in at less than $20 million, and Jameis is demanding $30+.

    If we bring back Jameis at what he wants we lose the ability to resign others, and we would be reluctant to sit Jameis for a rookie if Jameis still struggles.

    If we bring in Rivers we’ll be able to afford to resign everyone plus draft a QB to learn behind veteran Rivers. If Rivers falters we can easily justify turning to the new rookie.

  103. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Jameis Winston will be starting for the Bucs in 2020.

  104. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Jean Lafitte Says
    “Jameis is demanding $30+.”

    Actually, that number was an unproven rumor without a named sourse, so Winston may actually take less.

  105. TexBuc Says:

    BA’s 4 Vertical offense is commonly known as difficult to learn and get in sync with WR’s, but someone wants to sign Taysom Hill?

  106. Tbbucs3 Says:

    The Bucs aren’t gonna go anywhere until they can get the defense to play well for a complete season.

    I like how we all act like the defense is automatically gonna be good next year when I haven’t seen a Bucs defense play well for a complete season since Greg freakin Schiano.

    That’s how long its been……..Schiano.

    But it’s the QBs fault??

  107. TexBuc Says:

    Rivers contract did not average 16m a year after adding his signing bonus which does count toward the salary cap his yearly average was 21m a year. His market value is over 24M a year so I do not know where “we can get him for less than 20M a year” comes from. I bet this crap is just more wishful justification for moving on from a 26 yr old QB.

  108. webster Says:

    Philip rivers has not won his division since 2009 but sure he is the answer to the bucs problem lol. The facts are rivers has had a better overall team than the bucs have had since 2009 but he has not won his division but yet you yahoos feel the 38 year old is the answer. As tupac said, its a white mans world

  109. Alaskan Abdominal Snowman Says:

    Am I still on your mind stud muffin? Sensitive, I thought you’d be more strong with a name like Steel but I get it… some guys got to compensate. Glad to know I’m living up there rent free.

  110. Thisisouryear!!! Says:

    I like the idea of Rivers. I think he has 2-3 good years left esp if we can get him for under 20 million. I wonder about copying Tennessee last year. Sign someone like Tannehill or Mariota for 7-8 million and maybe trading back picking up another 2-3 round pick and getting a qb late in the first round maybe Eason. Then we could load up w a safety maybe an extra corner a couple of offensive lineman and rb through free agency and the draft. I think we would be very strong next year but it starts with not killing ourself w the qb contract.

  111. T REX Says:

    even I have nothing left at add….

  112. catcard202 Says:

    Jameis is 1-2 plays a game from leading this OFF & organization to the promised land….I think he’ll make that minor improvement in yr2 of BA’s vertical system & prove a ton of talking heads wrong.

  113. snookman Says:

    ill make this plain and simple:

    This is a math game.

    2020 is the worst year ever to be in Jameis position.
    There are 5-6 studs in the draft.
    There are 10 veteran Qbs who can be had for less than 15-20 million.

    Jameis has no leverage.

    Keep Jameis at 20-22 million.
    If that doesn’t get it done then move on and pick up:

    Rivers
    Bridgewater
    Mariota
    Brady*
    Garappolo*
    Prescot*
    Brees*
    Tannehill
    Dalton
    Newton
    Flacco

    all these QBs are better value than Jameis.

    This is the worst year ever to be a Turnover prone free agent.

    *not likely to leave their existing teams but may become FAs

  114. DalvinCookRules Says:

    At his age, trying to learn a brand new system–one that will force him to make more dangerous throws than he ever has before–I wouldn’t be surprised if Rivers shatters Winston’s INT numbers from last year.

  115. Jean Lafitte Says:

    ^^^^Stop the tape

    Rivers has been running an Arians type offense practically close to his whole career.

    Let’s try to be at least a little honest.

  116. FlBoy84 Says:

    For some context, in the last 5 years:

    Rivers has thrown 145 TD’s and 76 Int’s vs Winston’s 122 TD’s and 88 Int’s.
    Rivers has thrown for 22,616 yds vs Winston’s 19,737.
    Rivers’ completion rate is 64.7 (same as his career avg) vs Winston’s 61.3%.
    Rivers QBR avg is 94.3 vs Winston’s 86.9.
    Rivers YPA is 7.8 vs Winston’s 7.7.
    Rivers has 11 fewer fumbles and taken 9 less sacks despite being 12 years older and a lot less mobile.

    Rivers has never missed a start since 2006 despite being strictly a pocket passer.
    Rivers has been to the playoffs 6 times in his career and has a 5-6 record. Bucs have been to ONE playoff game as a franchise during that entire period.

    Winston leads in rushing yds/TD’s by a large margin.

    Not saying Rivers is the answer, but he’s definitely not the scrub some try to portray him to be. Personally like the fire he plays with and think that rubs off on his team as well. He doesn’t have to eat any W’s to do it either.

  117. FlBoy84 Says:

    Over the last 5 years cont’d:

    Rivers has thrown 2,910 passes vs Winston’s 2,548.
    Rivers has a 5.0%TD/2.6%INT ratio (career 5.2%TD/2.6%INT) vs Winston’s 4.7%TD/3.5%INT ratio
    Rivers has thrown 58 passes for 40+yds & 288 passes for 20+yds vs Winston’s 37 for 40+yds and 237 for 20+yds.

    Could go on, but just some data to show that Rivers is far from an old, washed up QB. He just led the Chargers to the playoffs as recently as 2018. No question last year wasn’t his best, but he’s definitely still a viable bridge QB if the Bucs were thinking of grooming a rookie QB for the next year or two.

    To reiterate, Rivers has outproduced JW in practically every significant category in the last 5 years AND he’s 12 years older. Believe JW is the one that needs to check his sheet.

  118. Mister Negative Nancy Says:

    It would be hard to feel good about getting someone even the Chargers don’t want.

    Doesn’t make Winston any more desirable though.

  119. ou812 Says:

    YES!!!!!!!!

  120. Bucsfan951 Says:

    SPEAK ON IT MY WEBSTER SPEAK ON IT!!!