Los Angeles Chargers’ Rivers has ‘year by year’ mentality

How long Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers remains a mystery. Despite his age, Rivers has been healthy, has started every game for the team since 2006 and has shown no signs of regression.

Rivers has one year remaining on his current deal, which is paying him $11 million in base salary in 2019 and counting $23 million against the salary cap.

With that, general manager Tom Telesco said last week the team plans to begin conversations this offseason with Rivers about a new contract, showing confidence that the 37-year old has what it takes to play at a high level for years to come.

Rivers denied Friday, saying those conversations have not started yet, but he does plan to play beyond next season on Hardwick & Richards on XTRA 1360 San Diego.

“We’ve had no conversations in that regard. I think when you get to this point. I’ve got a year left on his deal. I think it’s truly year by year is my mentality. I think I’ve got a handful left,” Rivers said.

The veteran QB finished top-10 in the league for nearly every passing category in 2018 and played one of his seasons, as he threw for 32 touchdowns and completed 68.3 percent of his passes. Rivers led the Bolts back to the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

With the majority of the roster under contract for at least one more season, Rivers likely sees a deeper playoff run in 2019 and potentially beyond that.