Nearly exactly 5 years ago, in August 2004, Rivers signed a six-year, $40.5 million contract with the Chargers. Monday Rivers signed an extension that includes nearly that much in guarantees ($38.5 million). Furthermore, the full value of the deal could reach $93 million.
Rivers has been the starter in San Diego for the past 3 seasons. He has compiled an impressive 33-15 record over this time. However, during this same period Rivers is only 3-3 in the playoffs.
Although the team struggled last year, Rivers had his most impressive statistical season. A QB Rating over 105, over 4,000 yards, 34 TDs and only 11 INTs.
Now that Rivers has all of this money maybe he can crack a smile a little more often and even stop yelling at Jay Cutler. After all Cutler is only on his six-year rookie deal worth an insignificant $47.86 million.
Maybe they could settle their differences over a nice game of beruit. We know Jay is an avid player. Unfortunately the Bears and Chargers do not play this season so the two QB’s will have to meet up on their own time.
On the serious side of things this contract just further inflates the quarterback market beyond the Manning deal.
Most notably affected could be the Colts and Patriots. Both teams have superstar starting quarterbacks who have contracts ending after the 2010 season.
At the rate we are going, and with a potentially uncapped year starring us right in the face, it looks like Joe Flacco will get a $100 million deal by October. This could get messy for the NFL.
