The Facts: After Monday's news came via the Chargers' announcement they wouldn't pursue retaining Rivers in free agency, the quarterback spoke with the Los Angeles Times' Sam Farmer about what his future might entail. In short: he's pursuing playing opportunities while he still can. "I do feel I have some emotional fire and passion still left," Rivers said, via Farmer. "I know I have the passion for the game that I think is going to last my lifetime. And I think I have the ability left to go play at a high level."

Diehards Line: That high level dropped off a bit in 2019, with Rivers posting a 23-20 touchdown-to-interception ratio and his Chargers finishing 5-11. It was enough for Los Angeles to deem it unwise to retain Rivers but that doesn't mean the QB can't find a fit elsewhere. Rivers made it clear in his phone call with Farmer, though, he has a shelf life. "I can say for certain that if I'm playing, it's a two-year maximum," Rivers said. ... The Buccaneers' decision on Jameis Winston will be a factor here while Indianapolis might also be interested in Rivers' services. Neither are instant Super Bowl contenders, but with improved quarterback play -- assuming Rivers can clean up the mistakes he made in 2019, as he told Farmer -- they could become a surprise squad. The Panthers could also be in the market for a QB depending on their view of Cam Newton's health. And there will be ample QBs available on the market this year. So again, we'll be watching closely in coming weeks.