SAN DIEGO (AP) – The San Diego Chargers opened OTAs on Tuesday with Philip Rivers at quarterback.
”Just like I thought I would be,” Rivers said.
Rivers is entering his 12th season and it comes on the heels of an eventful few months.
In the run-up to the NFL draft, speculation was rampant that the Chargers might trade Rivers to the Tennessee Titans for the No. 2 pick and select Oregon’s Marcus Mariota as Rivers’ replacement.
Then there was the talk of Rivers stiff-arming the Chargers in their attempt to negotiate a long-term contract. Rivers, in his deal’s final season, was believed to be reluctant with the team possibly moving to the Los Angeles area.
”I think for me, if I was going to respond, I would be answering something every other day,” Rivers said. ”So I basically stayed quiet and just let it play out.”
Rivers is coming off another solid season, throwing for 31 touchdowns and 4,286 yards. He said he was excited about the upcoming season and thought the Chargers, who have had consecutive third-place finishes, could be pretty good.
Rivers also alluded to his contract status and said it would be ”awesome” if he finished his career with the Chargers.
”I’m willing to listen to anything,” he said.
Safety Eric Weddle, another Chargers player seeking an extension, skipped Tuesday’s voluntary practice.
”I think in the ideal world we would love for everyone to be here,” Rivers said of Weddle, the team’s four-time defensive captain. ”I do know this about Eric, no one is worried he’s not preparing himself and getting ready for another All-Pro season.”
Coach Mike McCoy declined to comment specifically about Weddle.
”We’re not waiting for anyone,” McCoy said. ”We’re staying on pace and not changing for who is here or who is not here.”
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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL
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