Philip Rivers ‘contacted BOTH 49ers and Dolphins towards end of last season’ as he eyed NFL return

Former Chargers and Colts quarterback Philip Rivers has officially retired since January 2021, but the 41-year-old apparently considered reversing that decision towards the end of last season.

As the 49ers and Dolphins neared the postseason, both teams were forced to play third-string quarterbacks due to injuries.

And with both squads brimming with talent at the skill position on offense, Rivers was reportedly interested in joining either Miami or San Francisco down the stretch.

“I heard at the combine … that Philip Rivers contacted both of them about coming back late last year,” NFL Network’s Rich Eisen said. saying Monday.

After injuries to starter Trey Lance and then Jimmy Garoppolo, third-stringer Brock Purdy was inserted into the 49ers’ lineup in Week 13.

The rookie performed admirably, leading the team to eight straight wins, including the playoffs, but San Francisco ultimately fell just short of the NFC Championship as Purdy was forced to play through a torn UCL.

Before that, he spent 16 years with the Chargers, earning eight Pro Bowl nominations.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins were forced to play Skylar Thompson after Tua Tagovailoa suffered a second concussion of the season and Teddy Bridgewater dislocated his finger.

If Rivers were to return to the 49ers or Dolphins, he would have had plenty of weapons at his disposal.

San Francisco had a four-headed monster of Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey after the running back came via trade, while Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle topped for 1,350 receiving yards in Miami.

Rivers, who is now a high school football coach in Alabama, addressed the possibility of an NFL comeback last month,

“I stay right where I am,” he said. said the LA Times.