As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers consider quarterback options this offseason, could it come down to Philip Rivers over Jameis Winston?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be looking for a new quarterback this offseason, after letting Jameis Winston play out the final year of his contract. In concert with his move from San Diego to Florida, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports passed along buzz attaching Philip Rivers to the Buccaneers.
Rivers has spent his entire career with the Chargers, starting every game for them since taking over for the departed Drew Brees in 2006. But his contract has expired, with signs both sides will be moving on. The 38-year old is not a long-term quarterback for anyone, and much like Winston the good (4,615 passing yards; fourth in the league) came with the bad (20 interceptions) this season. But in 2018 Rivers was productive (4,308 yards, 32 touchdowns ) and efficient (12 interceptions), and maybe that kind of play is still in him if he finds the right situation.
The Buccaneers appear to be a house divided on Winston, their known commodity among the group of quarterbacks set to hit free agency right now. He led the league in passing yards (5,109) and interceptions (30) this year, with the second-most touchdown passes (33).
Of note on Rivers is the work Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians did with a similarly late-career Carson Palmer when he was head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. Arians’ “no risk it, no biscuit” offense is a good fit for a quarterback who’s willing to let it fly downfield, and Rivers would have two top-tier wide receivers (Mike Evans, Chris Godwin) and a still-promising tight end in O.J. Howard to throw to.
Rivers does not look like an upgrade over Winston, and he loses the battle when it comes to age and physical skills. But the Buccaneers have intimate knowledge of Winston, warts and all, and by comparison, Rivers might be regarded as a refreshing change. A change of scenery and his competitive nature may foster a rebound for Rivers next season, and the Buccaneers can benefit nicely.
If there are any contract talks with Winston, Rivers is a viable alternative that gives Tampa Bay a bit of leverage. Outside of that a refreshed and rejuvenated Rivers, with the set of weapons the Buccaneers can put around him, would be a danger to opposing defenses. Winston has shown what he can do with those same weapons, and the results were good at times but often frustrating.