The Philip Rivers Rumors
January 22nd, 2020
Chance to confirm or deny.
Yes, the NFL world is going gaga over news that veteran Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, whose contract expires in a couple of weeks, uprooted his family to move to Florida’s Panhandle to be closer to his family in Alabama (and save untold thousands of dollars in taxes).
Joe has been told Rivers now resides in Destin, over six hours from One Buc Palace.
So are these rumors true that the Bucs may play ball with Rivers, as the Bucs have their own quarterback facing free agency, Mr. Entertainment, America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston?
If these rumors are fully bogus, the Bucs have the perfect time to shoot these rumors down through media backchannels.
Many Bucs football personnel, including Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht, are in Mobile, Ala. for Senior Bowl practices. Also in Mobile is #NFLDraftMedia as well as reporters from NFL Network and BSPN.
Now it’s not like the Bucs don’t know how to contact the right people as it stands. Trust Joe, the season is over but that doesn’t mean Bucs suits are not in contact with certain people (ahem). But with the right national media available in Alabama, the Bucs, and Licht in particular, have the perfect opportunity to get the word out to the football world that the Bucs are not interested in Rivers.
Technically, since Rivers is still under contract with the Chargers until the end of the league year (which expires in March), Licht won’t be able to discuss Rivers publicly due to tampering rules. But he sure could tell the proper folks off the record the Bucs are or are not interested.
What the Bucs choose to say, or not to say, to folks in the pen and mic club off the record this week in Mobile will say a whole lot about the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Kyle Brandt of Good Morning Football decided to break down what Rivers’ move to Florida means for the expected free agent veteran quarterback.
What does Philip Rivers moving to Florida mean to Chargers fans?@heykayadams and @KyleBrandt have the awkward conversation. pic.twitter.com/PxBXmaXyo4
— GMFB (@gmfb) January 21, 2020
January 22nd, 2020 at 5:04 am
He’s not coming here . Ray Jay doesn’t have enough seating for his kids .
January 22nd, 2020 at 5:15 am
Draft a QB, save the cap dollars and
Move On.Bucs !
if Jameis is on the roster next year the team will explode…there will be 51 Desean Jackson’s in the locker room
January 22nd, 2020 at 5:22 am
Moving to Florida won’t change his taxes but working in Florida would….it’s where you work in the NFL….not where you live.
He could also be retiring….or have promised his family a home there regardless where he plays.
January 22nd, 2020 at 6:42 am
OH GOD PLEASE sign Rivers!!!!!!
January 22nd, 2020 at 6:42 am
I’m not sure why Licht or BA would want to shoot these rumors down.
“Blameless” showed with his post game aka post season comments he is freaking clueless. He STILL doesn’t get it. Perhaps these rumors might shake him up enough to wake up and small the coffee. No matter how bad the team around you might be 30 turnovers is NOT ballin’.
Even if the Bucs do keep blameless why not send him a message and of course it also sends his agent a message.
I have no idea if these rumors have any merit. But for the reasons I just listed I do not expect them to disappear nor do I want them to disappear. Something needs to get though to blameless famous. He did NOT improve his overall game. Record setting ints and pick sixes mean he should be happy if his pay is not CUT.
If the Bucs offer to match his 2019 salary he should as Steve Miller sang..”Take the Money and Run.
January 22nd, 2020 at 6:50 am
Back when rivers was throwing to Antonio gates and Vincent Jackson, it was among the best offense in the NFL.
January 22nd, 2020 at 6:51 am
Tampabaybucfan Says:
January 22nd, 2020 at 5:22 am
Moving to Florida won’t change his taxes but working in Florida would….it’s where you work in the NFL….not where you live.
He could also be retiring….or have promised his family a home there regardless where he plays.
Read
https://www-foxnews-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.foxnews.com/sports/millionaire-athletes-flee-states-with-high-income-taxes.amp?amp_js_v=a2&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D#aoh=15796932725513&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fsports%2Fmillionaire-athletes-flee-states-with-high-income-taxes
January 22nd, 2020 at 6:54 am
Brady to Chargers
Tua to Dolphins
Rivers to Bucs
Jameis to Patriots
Have fun….
January 22nd, 2020 at 6:57 am
Alanbucsfan Says:
January 22nd, 2020 at 6:54 am
Brady to Chargers
Tua to Dolphins
Rivers to Bucs
Jameis to Patriots
Have fun….
Bellicheat taking Jameis is the dumbest suggestion in the history of NFL football. Ever.
January 22nd, 2020 at 6:57 am
I wouldn’t go for Rivers. He’s at the end of his game and didn’t do much better than Winston last year. The only glaring difference is that he had 20 INTs and Winston has 30. If I was BA I would focus on going after joe Burrow. Give the bengals this years and next years first round pick and 2022’s second round pick or whatever they want. I know everyone’s probably going to attack me for even offering this because we have so many holes but if we get Burrow QB will not be one of them for a very long time. In my eyes we are just a QB, RB, and a pair of O-linemen away from being a dominate franchise. Be smart let Winston walk and focus that money on Resigning players like Shaq, suh, JPP, and Godwin. Therefore giving us enough cap space to pick up other cap casualty free agents to fill some of the other holes. Our defense is coming together we just need an offense that doesn’t put them in bad field position because Jameis loves giving the ball to the other team.
January 22nd, 2020 at 6:59 am
Please, stop with this NONSENSE; Rivers arm is shot, he can’t run — UNLESS, the Bucs want to tank the season for Trevor Lawrence!!
January 22nd, 2020 at 7:00 am
Bucs fans: dumbest in the NFL. There is no way Rivers is coming to Tampa Bay…the Statue of Liberty behind THAT offensive line? Three steps back for the Buccaneers and Rivers would be knocked out by midseason. Rivers most likely destination is Indianapolis. He moved to the Panhandle to be near his family in Alabama. Some of you cretins believe Destin/Ft. Walton Beach is across the street from RayJay.
January 22nd, 2020 at 7:00 am
Let’s be clear…..some rumors aren’t going to shake Winston up, he’s consumed too much of his own kool aid to ever see reality. On top of that, I don’t believe his advisors around him provide him good perspective. If you listen to his conferences, Winston is completely convinced he’s an all time great…and while I understand you need a degree of that confidence to compete at the highest levels, there’s a point where you have to have an honest assessment as well. He’s had ONE winning season, he’s finished last in the division THREE of FIVE yrs, no playoff visits and more interceptions then anyone in the league since joining.
I’ve said this many many times going back to his days at FSU…..Winston lacks a general sense of awareness. The only world Winston knows evolves around him being glorious and an exception. Just listen to his press conference about he’s “balling”. Its like if you look past all the losing and the turnovers, he’s the greatest in the league…..except the game is about winning and losing directly correlates with turnovers in the NFL. I think you talk to him and he knods but I don’t believe it registers, so you hold out hope thinking the light will come on at some point and it just isn’t. These rumors don’t register with him…..it never will until he’s off the team, that’s when the light might actually come on. Sometimes that happens….Talib is a good example of that. Unfortunately its not happening here and the more you commit to him, the worse you make them. At this point he’s just a number….he’s not a franchise QB or he’d have an extension. He’s a value….for X amount we think we can work past his flaws. Winston doesn’t see his flaws so to himself he’s worth the most in the league.
January 22nd, 2020 at 7:07 am
What if we somehow get joe burrow by giving the bengals whatever they want then pick up titans Henry in free agency, Washington’s Guard Brandon Scherff, and indys Tackle Anthony Castonzo. Resign all of our defensive line and Godwin we are a scary playoff team. Draft some young defensive backs like Alabama’s safety Xavier McKinney or LSU’s grant delpit. This in my opinion would be the absolute smartest choice Tampa has would or could ever make instead of throwing money away on a turnover machine in Winston. We can spread the money around and get quality players at key positions and have a franchise QB for years to come.
January 22nd, 2020 at 7:12 am
1. Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag Jameis Winston
2. Let’em find a suitable offer/trade partner
3. Sign Veteran QB as bridge/replacement
4. Fortify the Defensive through free agency
5. Get ready for the draft.
Sidebar: AUG 15 2015 – Philip Rivers Signed a 4 year $83.2 million extension with San Diego (SD). His average annual salary was $20,812,500
January 22nd, 2020 at 7:21 am
LUVMYBUCS Says:
January 22nd, 2020 at 7:12 am
.
.
What he said !!!
Bingo !!
January 22nd, 2020 at 7:22 am
@Anglican
I read that article sometime back……NFL players pay taxes to the state they play their games…..and where they practice.
Rivers would save taxes on endorsements and other income.
You have to question why he didn’t set something up like this years ago…..
FYI….NFL player’s tax issues make for very complicated filings.
January 22nd, 2020 at 7:34 am
I say we sign Winston to the Transitional tag. That way we could fine what the real market value is for Winston. If another team offers him a contract, the bucs have first right of refusal. This should be much lower than the franchise tag.
January 22nd, 2020 at 7:39 am
If you can get Rivers or Manning for half the price as Winston then do it. Build your defense and offensive line draft a quarterback. Don’t put 30mil into a Dr. Jeckel Mr. Hyde quarterback that you don’t know from game to game what is going to do. He’s had five years and still no consistency or playoffs.
January 22nd, 2020 at 7:44 am
George Rauh
I calculated the transition tag to be a bit more than $23 million which would be 4 million below the franchise tags…..because the franchise tags are an average of the top 5 and the transition is the top 10….
The only problem with the transition tag is that if a team offers Winston a multi-year contract, we would have to match to keep him.
If we are prepared to lose him then the transition tag would be worth the gamble.
January 22nd, 2020 at 7:47 am
Aahh yes, stoke that fire. Tis the season for silly rumors. I wouldn’t be surprised if right now BA is asking his staff ‘Hey, do you guys know anything about this Phillip Rivers guy that the national media says Jason just signed to be our QB this year?’. Ya right.
Take a good look at Carson Palmer’s time with BA (2013-2017). He was ‘only’ 33 in 2013 but with NINE starting seasons under his belt. Never threw more than 20 INTs in a season … UNTIL his first year with BA (threw 22 INTs … against 24 TOs). Went 6-0 in 2014 before getting hurt (threw 3 INTs … against 11 TDs that year). But 2015 is where he really blossomed … went 13-3 on the season, throwing 35 TDs against only 11 INTs. Cards scored 489 points that year … 30.6 PPG average. Had a very nice running game too … 1,917 rushing yards (4.2 YPR). BA’s ratio of run to pass? 45% run to 55% pass. (Significantly higher than this past year with the Bucs). Also, Cards offense gave the ball away only 24 times on the season … 9 of those were in their 3 losses (they lost the turnover battle 3-0 in EACH of those 3 losses).
So Palmer had a strong running game, had an excellent passing year & didn’t turn the ball over very much. Good OLine too (only 25 sacks). But that’s NOT the only reason(s) they went 13-3 in 2015. Their DEFENSE was exceptional, and it allowed the Cards to play some great COMPLIMENTARY FOOTBALL. Cards had a strong run defense (ranked #6, only allowing 1,460 rushing yards & 9 TDs) and ranked #7 overall on the season. But their big claim to fame I think was that they had 33 takeaways, and ranked #2 in the NFL in the Percentage of drives ending in a takeaway. And oh ya, only gave up 313 points on the season (19.6 PPG).
IOW, Palmer had everything in 2015 that many say Jameis needs to succeed … and he did very well. Cards even won the first playoff game against the Packers in OT, but then got crushed by the Panthers 49-15 in the Conference Championship game. The reason? Yup, SEVEN turnovers by the Cards offense, which included 4 INTs by Palmer. Bummer.
January 22nd, 2020 at 7:58 am
I like the Dr Jekyll reference but I’m going to steal it and modify it to “Dr Jekyll and Mr Pick-6”. Far more accurate. That being said, I still say franchise Dr Jekyll and Mr Pick-6, and sign/draft true competition.
January 22nd, 2020 at 8:26 am
C’mon Joe. The Bucs never publicly shoot down rumors. A few years ago when Irk Koetter was coaching and the rumor mill was swirling about a Chucky return the Bucs never shot those down either.
January 22nd, 2020 at 8:26 am
I believe Lict stays with #3 and this helps on price. I’d pull the trigger on rivers and draft a guy that can sit for a yearbut I don’t think BA has the time to do that. It will be #3 under center and hopefully at least our god awful uniforms change back.
January 22nd, 2020 at 8:30 am
St. Pete–
Funny how you laud posters who refrain from name calling and and chastise those who resort to childlike, playground adjectives when feebly attempting to make a point (BTW–I agree). Yet you constantly refer to Jameis as “Blameless.”
Hypocrisy is such an ugly word, so I’ll suggest you find a mirror and take a peek.
January 22nd, 2020 at 8:33 am
licht will lose leverage if he opens his mouth….lol….
offer JW 4years 100mil 2year 50mil guaranteed….
if he scoffs at the offer, tell him good luck finding a team thats a contender….
does he want to win or get paid?….its too late to have both….
GO BUCS!!!!!!
January 22nd, 2020 at 8:38 am
How come Joe isn’t a card carrying member of the pen and mic club? Seems Joe would be in Mobile covering all things Bucs. Just an honest question.
January 22nd, 2020 at 8:39 am
You either have a franchise QB or you are looking for a franchise QB!!!!!!!!!!! The wrong decision would be to offer jay-miss a contract!!!!!!!!!! Buffoon’s like 813broccoli would like to make a bad decision and lose and saves a couple of million!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You only resign a qb in this era if is he is elite and carrying a team to wins and playoffs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! otherwise, keep building the team and go back and get a rookie QB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If this team is all about “playoff’s and superbowl’s” then they need to start making moves that show that is the goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
go bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 22nd, 2020 at 8:42 am
the more i think about it, licht has no choice but to re-sign him…..
he’s already lost the 2016 draft class…..
he’s re-signed d.smith and marpet from the 2015 draft class…..he doesnt want to NOT re-sign his #1 overall pick from the 2015 draft class…..
imo, they’ve made the decision to keep him, its all boils down to $$$$$….JW knows it, Licht knows it and most importantly JWs agent knows it…..
the question is, will licht pay JW more than what JW has accomplished?…..
GO BUCS!!!!!!
January 22nd, 2020 at 8:45 am
Tom….the Bilicheat this season said that Rivers has a great deep ball. Where do you guys get your information?
January 22nd, 2020 at 9:06 am
Running this site 24/7/365 has got to be very hard. But stop trying to make Rivers happen. Please just stop
January 22nd, 2020 at 9:10 am
I watched the Chargers a couple times this year. Rivers arm seems to be lacking the strength he once had. He’s also turnover prone. The only way you even remotely consider this is if he’d be willing to sign for significantly less money than Winston wants.
January 22nd, 2020 at 9:17 am
I wouldn’t worry about whether Rivers arm is good enough or not. Or whether Jameis is really taking to Arians coaching and can improve his QB play here by cutting his ints significantly. Arians knows more about the position as any of us. And he and Tom Moore know more than most other people in the league. They know the score. Frankly, I’m pretty confident that when it comes to this position, he will make the right decision.
January 22nd, 2020 at 9:30 am
Where can anyone provide info that BA actually wants Jaymiss back, it’s his last post and he doesn’t want to waste it by sticking with a loser !
January 22nd, 2020 at 9:34 am
Rivers moved here for the giant tax break in comparison to California. Also there’s no mudslides, or earthquakes. Just to be closer to the Bucs? Seems like a stretch. Not saying that there will be no interest from us for Rivers but I don’t imagine his current geographical location is a factor. Can you imagine the conversation going like this: “Hey we need a QB” “Well, who lives closest. Let’s start with that”. Is the measurement made by “as the crow flies”, driving time or flight time? Can you imagine them saying “that Russell Wilson guy? Nah, he lives too far away”. “Hey so and so’s agent just called wanting to know if we’re interested.” “Ok, how far way does he live?”.
January 22nd, 2020 at 9:44 am
Its media negotiations thats all. Tampa shooting down the rumor takes the advantage away from to negotiate a lower contract with Winston. Dont be surprised if you hear in the media that Indy, NE, Oakland, Denver are interested in JW. That will be his agent negotiating in the media. It happens all the time.
Al Horfords agent did it all summer saying the Mavs were going to offer him a huge contract. Dallas never planned to offer him a contract. They didnt even meet with him. But Al Horfords agent got him the contract with Philly that he was supposed to get from the Mavs.
January 22nd, 2020 at 10:21 am
Destin is a lovely place. It is cheap, and the gang activity and fire possibilities are both low, as are the taxes.
The Chargers are going to draft a QB, probably Herbert, though he is horribly streaky, and Rivers will spend next year as a mentor before retiring.
Those who think differently have to realize that the Bucs are not the center of the universe for the rest of the league.
The Bucs also need to draft a QB. Hopefully they won’t make enough of a reach that they fall from the ladder.
That means the Bucs need someone to mentor their new QB. Jameis and Blaine are not that. Remember that Blaine Gabbert was replaced by Blake Bortles.
Pulling in someone like Josh McKnown or Matt Moore would be a better and cheaper option. Maybe then we will be able to see what Griffin can do for a year or so.
Jameis is going to continue to claim to be the $100 million man and the Bucs aren’t going to agree with it.
January 22nd, 2020 at 10:23 am
realist says:
If this team is all about “playoff’s and superbowl’s” then they need to start making moves that show that is the goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
move#1- FIRE SMITTY!!!!!!!!- CHECK!!!!!!!!!
move#2- FIRE DIRK!!!!!!!!!!!- CHECK!!!!!!!!!
move#3- HIRE COMPETENT COACHES!!!!- CHECK!!!!!!
move#4- develop players (cappa, rojo)- CHECK!!!!!!!
move#5- build a solid defense!!!!!!!- CHECK!!!!!!!
move#6- keep everything consistent!!!!!!!!
tell mr coach my scheme smitty to leave those 3rd graders alone!!!!!!….his scheme defense doesnt work in flag football either!!!!!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!!!!
January 22nd, 2020 at 10:26 am
Isn’t he from somewhere near Destin? Just across the border in Alabama I think? Moving his family has nothing to do with Tampa Bay and everything to do with taxes and planning for life after football.
I’m not sure JW is the answer but I’m positive Rivers is not. They’ll save a little money by signing him vs franchising Winston, but his numbers last year were not great. He’ll be learning a new offense in his 16th year in the league. An offense that even Carson Palmer said it took him nearly 2 full years to feel comfortable.
There’s zero chance Rivers is around longer than 2 years.
If they’re going to draft a young QB I’d much rather watch JW for the next year or two. Say what you will about him but it’s never dull and if he does cut down the INT’s and they end up keeping him, now you’ve got a good young QB to trade to a team that needs a QB. If not you cut ties with JW and you’ve got a guy ready to go.
There’s no reason to let him get away right now.
January 22nd, 2020 at 10:26 am
Bucs officials are putting this BS out to drive Jameis asking Price down it’s working perfect he just moved his family back to his vacation home in FL I Willis say he has a better shot of going to MIA while they wait for Trevor to come out
January 22nd, 2020 at 11:28 am
If these rumors are fully bogus, the Bucs have the perfect time to shoot these rumors down through media backchannels.
Joe, why would the Bucs dispell rumors that bolsters their negotiating leverage?
January 22nd, 2020 at 11:55 am
Ineffable
I certainly take your point but disagree a bit after looking in the mirror as you properly suggest.
I do not consider “blameless” a pejorative as much as a simple statement of fact. From day one…I’ve never heard as many excuses made for an athlete’s performance.
I did not call ANY poster some childish name although having posted here for over five years I need to CYA and agree with you that I’m sure there have been times when I was a hypocrite in this area and called somebody a name.
To anybody I’ve called a name..Mea Culpa.
I think “blameless” gets to so many FSU guys and other JW supporters because the truth hurts. And I defy anybody here to say that JW hasn’t had dozens and dozens of excuses. Sometimes they may be correct extenuating circumstance.
But the sheer number of “explanations” is growing tiresome. Just sayin’.
January 22nd, 2020 at 11:59 am
Mark2001
As usual I agree with you. You have expressed my feelings precisely.
“BA and Tom Moore know more than most other people in the league. They know the score. Frankly, I’m pretty confident that when it comes to this position, he will make the right decision.”
January 22nd, 2020 at 12:41 pm
You are not wrong, SPBF. — I have been guilty of making excuses for JW plenty of times.
January 22nd, 2020 at 1:29 pm
Joe you know and call this the silly season. So how can much be read into any comments made about this?
Don’t know how negotions work here but seems reasonable that leverage helps. Keeping an option like River viable should help the Bucs……even if just a tiny bit. So why should they shoot it down?
And what if they can’t get a deal done? Maybe a deal is plan A Rivers plan B….Highly doubtful they will revel their plan through any comments.
No matter what they say it will likely reveal next to nothing.
January 22nd, 2020 at 2:25 pm
if you’re gonna move on at qb, dont move on to a 38 yr old qb on his last leg in the league. just draft a qb for much less.
January 22nd, 2020 at 3:22 pm
Sure they do. Remember when Dan Sileo linked the Glazers to Bernie Madoff?
January 22nd, 2020 at 5:51 pm
Not an IRS guru, but if he has like 100 kids, isn’t he tax exempt already? If not, what’s 1 or 2 more ?