San Diego Chargers agree to extension with Philip Rivers

Rivers had told the Union-Tribune that he would let the final year on his contract expire before negotiating a new one, hinting that a potential move to Los Angeles didn’t sit well with him.

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) talks to quarterback Philip Rivers (17) during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in a preseason NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium.

The San Diego Chargers quietly announced on Saturday night that they announced that quarterback Philip Rivers has been signed to a four-year extension. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. NFL media insider Ian Rapoport reports that Rivers’ extension is worth $84 million in new money, with $65 million of that being guaranteed.

The extension comes as team chairman Dean Spanos has angered many Chargers fans by exploring a move to the Los Angeles area. Rivers gamely played after tearing a ligament in his right knee in the divisional round, but the Chargers lost 21-12 at New England. Another member of the 2004 draft class, Eli Manning, is still awaiting his contract, but his will be significantly less than the elite.

Rivers spent two seasons as Drew Brees’ backup before becoming San Diego’s starter in 2006.

During his career, Rivers has completed 3,025-of-4,678 passes for 36,655 yards and 252 touchdowns with 122 interceptions. Many argue Rivers is still an “elite” NFL quarterback despite his age, pointing at his resurgence over the past couple seasons. He’s led the league in both passing yards and touchdowns throughout his career.