Is Philip Rivers returning to NFL? Retired QB almost joined Tom Brady's childhood team
It appears Philip Rivers may still have the "football itch" and is reportedly eyeing a stunning return to the NFL. After playing 17 years in the league, the former San Diego Charger and Indianapolis Colt called it quits after the 2020 season.
Well now, according to various reports, the 41-year-old appears to be wanting to return to the league. That's right, Rivers wants to return. However, who would want to take on a 41-year-old quarterback that has been out of the league for two years?
Well, according to the Rich Eisen Show, Rivers contracted both the Miami Dolphins and the San Francisco 49ers late last year.
Rumors: Retired QB Philip Rivers contacted the #Dolphins & #49ers about coming out of retirement late in the 2022 season, via the @RichEisenShow
Both teams were thin at QB and Rivers offered up his services. 49ers would end up obviously sticking with Brock Purdy, who led them… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/oy6bqLLUwK
With the Dolphins having trouble with Tua Tagovailoa's concussion issues and the 49ers losing both Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo to season-ending injuries, Rivers offered his services.
While it would have been a short-term fix at best, the idea of Rivers coming out of retirement had a very "Tom Brady" feel to it. Of course, we know that it didn't eventuate, but could that offer from the veteran quarterback still be on the table now? It makes for quite the discussion.
Could Philip Rivers have helped Dolphins or 49ers last year?
Without a doubt he could have. Rivers is a veteran of the league, and for many, he was one of the smartest quarterbacks going while in the league. So the ability for him to pick up the playbook quickly and implement the ideas would have made for interesting viewing.
Given what Kyle Shanahan did with rookie Brock Purdy, we can only imagine what he could have cooked up for Philip Rivers.
While the offer from the veteran quarterback is likely not available now, the fact that it was even a consideration from Rivers shows that he still thinks he can play at the highest level.
Philip Rivers, San Francisco 49ers quarterback. It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? While it was Tom Brady's childhood team, Rivers was close to doing one thing Brady never did: play for the 49ers.
We will never know if the move would have worked out, but it sure is fun to think about.