Philip Rivers Situation Hits DEFCON 3 in San Diego. Trade Coming?

Philip Rivers has led the Chargers to four playoff wins in nine seasons, but now he’s 33 years old, he’s got one year left on his deal, and the franchise could be moving to LA, which all adds up to … trade him while you can!

Longtime San Diego Union-Tribune writer Kevin Acee penned a lengthy piece about why the Chargers should consider moving on from their franchise QB. It’s time to start over with 21-year old Marcus Mariota, the thought process goes.

The Chargers wined and dined Mariota this week, and the draft is in 16 days.

I can only imagine that Rivers had one of two reactions to the column:

Excitement to not having to move to Los Angeles when the Chargers leave San Diego next year or the following year, or …

Pre-draft posturing? Have last month’s rumors morphed into something larger?

I bet the 33-year old is thrilled to go from a potential playoff team in the AFC to bottom feeder in Cleveland or Tennessee.

What makes sense: 1) Ken Whisenhunt knows Rivers well, and if he likes job security, yes, he trades the No. 2 pick for Rivers, because he can come in and start. Rivers is good enough to at least get the Titans near .500 in a season. 2) The QB’s childhood home is 90 minutes from Nashville, and his in-laws are in the area. It’s a logical fit.

What doesn’t make sense: 1) If you’re the Chargers, you’re taking a massive leap going from a proven, franchise QB to Mariota. I think Mariota will be good and I’d want him on the Jets, but their current QB options are garbage. 2) Does this signal a rebuilding year for the Chargers? What if they don’t move to LA, then did you just give up your franchise QB who has at least 4-5 good years left, for a rookie?