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Chargers: Philip Rivers, Tom Brady, Joe Burrow? Evaluating 2020 quarterback options

By Alexander Insdorf

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 21: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots heads out of the tunnel before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 21: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots heads out of the tunnel before the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers passes the ball during the first half of a game against the Denver Broncos at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 06, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers passes the ball during the first half of a game against the Denver Broncos at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 06, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Chargers 2020 quarterback: The best option

The options listed here really present the Chargers options for 2020 in broad terms. Option 1: Sign Rivers and sign or draft a quarterback after 2020. Option 2: Replace Rivers with an established veteran. Option 3: Replace Rivers with a 2020 NFL draft quarterback next year. Option 4: Sign Rivers and draft a quarterback in 2020.

As said earlier, my favorite option is taking a 2020 quarterback this year and plopping him behind Rivers on the bench until he is ready to take the reins. This could be the aforementioned Burrow, Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, Jacob Eason, or any of the other top prospects. It doesn’t rock the boat too much, and gives the chance for Rivers to compete for another year or two before being usurped.

The other thing about taking a rookie quarterback is keeping the cost down for the team while they have players to pay. A lot of this Chargers team won’t be cheap to keep together, with extensions for Joey Bosa and Austin Ekeler looming in the near future. Signing Rivers and having a cheap rookie quarterback to follow while the team’s title window is still open is a good idea.

Chargers awards at midpoint in 2019. Next

Replacing Rivers with an established vet like Brady or some other potential free agent just doesn’t feel right for a multitude of reasons. Rivers has made the best of the offensive line and staff changes for the Chargers. Brady at 43 or some other quarterback isn’t going to make a significant difference unless there are significant offensive line and scheme changes.

There might be changes if Brady brings his people in, but that begs the question, why not just try to get the best team for Rivers?

Signing Rivers to a two-year extension and drafting a quarterback simply makes too much sense for the organization to not do it. People can debate whether the quarterback should be in 2020 or 2021, or whether it should be Burrow or Fields.

But fans can’t really argue well against having a cheap rookie quarterback for the future and building the team around him post Rivers eventually, as it’s been a proven winning strategy with the Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, and Baltimore Ravens.

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