On Monday, the Los Angeles Chargers mutually-parted ways with quarterback Phillip Rivers. It brings an end to a 16-year career with the Chargers for Rivers, who did not miss a single game since becoming the starter in 2006. Although the Chicago Bears will be looking to add a veteran quarterback this offseason, they should avoid signing Rivers at all costs for multiple reasons.
Chicago will be looking to bring a veteran quarterback on to compete with Mitchell Trubisky for the 2020 starting role. Rivers will most likely demand a decent salary for a one or two-year deal. If Trubisky wins the quarterback competition, it would not be wise to keep Rivers and his large salary on the bench.
The first reason as to why Chicago should avoid signing Rivers is because of his limited mobility. The 16-year veteran will turn 39 before the end of the 2020 season. Rivers is coming off a 2019 campaign where he had just 12 rushing attempts, which were the lowest of his career. His mobility is key for a Bears offensive line that struggled to run and pass block successfully in 2019. Chicago’s offensive line allowed 45 sacks last year, and would likely see those numbers increase with a quarterback that is unable to scramble.
It is important also to keep an eye on Rivers’ age as he will turn 39 before the end of the 2020 season. His career could already be on a decline as he was intercepted 20 times last season. Most of those interceptions were costly as the Chargers often found themselves down by several scores early on in games. Rivers had six multi-interception games in 2019, of which the Chargers lost all of those games. Chicago could also be in a situation where they would have to find another quarterback next offseason if he underperforms.
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The league has had several instances where teams have turned to former Pro-Bowl quarterbacks for one more season only for it to fail. Both the Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings in 2010 and 2011 brought in Donovan McNabb to their starter. McNabb finished both seasons on the bench in Washington and Minnesota. Other examples include 2011 Indianapolis Colts with Kerry Collins and the 2007 Miami Dolphins with Trent Green.
Rivers would give the Bears one year at most to be successful before they would have to move on. If they were able to bring on a younger veteran, they could get at least two years in which the team could draft and groom a college quarterback.
If the Bears were to bring Rivers on, they would need him to do more with less. During the last few seasons in Los Angeles, he has had some of the best players in the league at the skill positions. Running back Melvin Gordon, wide receiver Keenan Allen, and tight end Hunter Henry are ranked in the top half of the league at their positions. If Rivers joined the Bears, his best wide receiver to throw to would be Allen Robinson. Rookie running back David Montgomery is still unproven, and the team is currently without an impact tight end.
There are many different options for the Bears to chose from at the veteran quarterback position this offseason. Although Rivers has the pedigree to warrant interest, signing him would not make sense for the Bears. Chicago has issues across their offense, which would only hinder Rivers than make him the necessary final piece to a championship team.
