Tom Brady and Philip Rivers Appear Ready to Truly Explore Free Agency

While the upcoming Super Bowl features a pair of young quarterbacks who figure to be entrenched with their respective franchises for the foreseeable future, the offseason that looms on the horizon could see a considerable shakeup at the position.

And it starts at the very top with a pair of signal callers, whom you would’ve never previously imagined wearing a uniform other than the one they have worn their entire careers.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that Tom Brady is set to enter free agency with an open mind and a willingness to meet with other teams for what will presumably be his final contract. Brady is the face of the Patriots, but New England could be on the cusp of making changes throughout its organization. With that in mind, this could provide the avenue for Brady to leave while his legacy is in peak condition, while also providing himself with an opportunity to carve out one more signature moment with another franchise.

Brady, 42, has previously stated he wants to play until age 45. And if he still holds himself to that standard, it would take a three-year contract to do it. As for a return to the Patriots, it can’t be ruled out, even if La Canfora believes “it would be extremely surprising” if Brady and the Patriots came to a new deal before free agency opens up in March. Because while Brady could still return to the only team he has ever known, the belief is that he really will do his due diligence in testing the free agent waters.

Apparently, so will Philip Rivers:

Rivers told ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen he has moved his family out of San Diego to Florida in a move that settles his family closer to their roots, as the quarterback prepares for free agency. What Rivers’ football future looks like remains to be seen, but he has been adamant that retirement isn’t on his mind right now and that he wants to continue playing — even if it isn’t with the Chargers franchise that drafted him in 2004. Then again, I can’t imagine Rivers moving his family out of Southern California if there was even a remote chance of him playing another season in Los Angeles.

How these particular reports relate to the Bears is still to be determined. Because while the Bears signing either veteran quarterback to a contract seems a bit far-fetched, GM Ryan Pace made it seem as if competition for incumbent starter Mitch Trubisky is coming by way of offseason transactions. For what it’s worth, OverTheCap.com estimates the Bears currently have $7,030,860 in salary cap space. That isn’t much wiggle room to sign an impact player, let alone an established veteran quarterback. However, there are ways to manipulate the cap and create space, including some ways we explored as recently as November.

Moreover, the free agent market and trade routes figure to provide ample options for the Bears to choose from. The likes of Teddy Bridgewater, Andy Dalton, Nick Foles, Cam Newton, Marcus Mariota, and Alex Smith are among those who could hit the market in one way or another. And let’s not forget about the NFL Draft, in which the Bears have two second-round picks — either of which could conceivably be used on a quarterback. We have previously discussed Jalen Hurts, Jordan Love, and Jake Fromm as possibilities, while others (such as FIU’s James Morgan) will emerge as college showcase games play out.

So while Brady or Rivers walking through those doors at Halas Hall is a long shot, NFL free agency is infinitely more interesting with those two guys willing to explore it this March. Stay tuned.

(Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images)

written by

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

The NFL is Playing a Christmas Day Doubleheader in 2024

Christmastime is generally full of cheer. And in 2024, it will be full of cheering. In fact, we're talking double the cheer. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reports the league will play not one, but *TWO* Christmas Day games. It's...

2024 NFL Mock Draft: How High Can J.J. McCarthy’s Stock Rise?

Hard to believe we're less than a month away from the 1st Round of the 2024 NFL Draft! With just weeks remaining until the NFL's most noteworthy offseason event, there are plenty of rumors floating. As we work through all...

NFL Rules Shakeup, Tomlin on Fields, Trubisky’s Linsanity Run, and Other Bears Bullets

The Bachelor's season-finale had a couple of jaw-dropping moments. Once the group chat catches up, it is going to be lit. What better way to start Bears Bullets than with breakfast anecdotes? I think I'm going to enjoy D'Andre Swift's...

Around the NFL: New Kickoff Rules Explained, NFL Trade Deadline Extended, More

NFL owners ratified a sweeping overhaul of the kickoff play on Tuesday, embracing a format inspired by the XFL following three days of deliberations at the league’s yearly gathering. Essentially, the new format relocates the bulk of both kicking and return teams...

Latest News

Celtics vs. Hawks Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Atlanta Hawks (33-39) are big, 17.5-point underdogs as they attempt to build on a three-game winning streak when they host the Boston Celtics (57-15) on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at State Farm Arena. The matchup airs at 7:30 PM...

Celtics vs. Hawks Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Atlanta Hawks (33-39) are big, 17.5-point underdogs as they attempt to build on a three-game winning streak when they host the Boston Celtics (57-15) on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at State Farm Arena. The contest airs at 7:30 PM...

Bucks vs. Pelicans Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The New Orleans Pelicans (44-28) are only 2-point underdogs against the Milwaukee Bucks (46-26) at Smoothie King Center on Thursday, March 28, 2024. The game begins at 8:00 PM ET on NBA. The matchup's point total is 223.If you are...

How to Watch Indiana State Sycamores vs. Utah Utes: Live Stream or on TV

The Indiana State Sycamores (31-6) will attempt to build on a three-game winning streak when they host the Utah Utes (22-14) on April 2, 2024. The Utes have also won three games in a row.Indiana State won its most recent...

How to Watch Seton Hall Pirates vs. Georgia Bulldogs: Live Stream or on TV

The Seton Hall Pirates (23-12) will attempt to extend a three-game win streak when they host the Georgia Bulldogs (20-16) on April 2, 2024. The Bulldogs have also won three games in a row.In its previous game, Seton Hall beat...

Diamondbacks vs. Rockies: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Arizona Diamondbacks, led by Corbin Carroll, take on Nolan Jones and the Colorado Rockies in their first game of the season, at 10:10 PM ET on Thursday.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV...

Mariners vs. Red Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Seattle Mariners, led by Julio Rodriguez, square off against Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox in their opening game of the season, at 10:10 PM ET on Thursday.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming...

Guardians vs. Athletics: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

In their season opener on Thursday, Jose Ramirez and the Cleveland Guardians face Brent Rooker and the Oakland Athletics, with first pitch scheduled for 10:07 PM ET at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.The article below will give you everything you need to...

Senators vs. Blackhawks Prediction: Picks, Live Odds and Moneyline – Thursday, March 28, 2024

The bookmakers give the edge to the Ottawa Senators on home ice (-198) over the Chicago Blackhawks (+164) when they face off on Thursday, March 28 at 7:00 PM ET.Senators vs. Blackhawks Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Senators (-198)Underdog: Blackhawks (+164)Total: 6.5Best...

Wrigley Field is Gonna Be Lit This Year (As in New Colored Lights!)

Last year, the Cubs started using their new LED outfield lights to do a little dancing display during 'Go Cubs Go,' lighting along with the song and throwing in a W. It was very fun and I liked it. This...

more bears news