Amid rumors, Philip Rivers reports to Chargers offseason workouts
SAN DIEGO -- Danny Woodhead shrugged his shoulders when asked about the possibility of his quarterback, San Diego Chargers longtime starter Philip Rivers, playing in another uniform in 2015 and beyond.
"It hasn't really affected us," Woodhead said. "He's on our team and he's our quarterback. We definitely like having him as our quarterback. As far as I know, he's still on the team, right? So we don't look too much into that. I think that's more fun for you guys to talk about."
Despite speculation that he could be traded by San Diego to the Tennessee Titans for the No. 2 overall selection and a chance to select Marcus Mariota, Rivers reported to the first day of voluntary offseason work for the Chargers on Monday.
However, the Chargers did not do anything to dispel those rumors, with neither Rivers nor head coach Mike McCoy talking to reporters at Chargers Park after the team's first workout of 2015.
Rivers is in the final year of his deal, and he has indicated a desire to play out his contract instead of entering into negotiations on a contract extension with the club. Rivers reportedly has reservations about playing in Los Angeles should the Chargers relocate there.
Left tackle King Dunlap, who signed a four-year, $28 million deal to remain with the Chargers at the beginning of free agency in March, said Rivers is an elite quarterback, and that those are hard to find in the NFL.
"Very," Dunlap said. "When you have one, you know it. And you try and keep him healthy, keep him protected as long as you can."
San Diego's new return man,Jacoby Jones, said Rivers' work ethic during the offseason is something that has stood out so far since he joined the team in free agency last month.
"I've never seen a quarterback work the way he does in the offseason," Jones said. "I'm not taking anything from the quarterbacks I've played with. They're great quarterbacks, but you see how his work ethic is, and you feed off of that. Especially when he's fired up on the sidelines -- I love that because it gets me going."
Stevie Johnson said one of the reasons he signed a three-year, $10.5 million deal this offseason with the Chargers was an opportunity to play with Rivers.
Johnson said he watched YouTube highlights of Rivers after he signed to prep for offseason workout, getting a better sense of what the 33-year-old quarterback likes to do best.
"I was just feeling it out," Johnson said. "I know Eddie Royal was a sweet receiver here. So I just imagine myself as No. 11."
Cornerback Brandon Flowers said he understands the fickle nature of the league. But for now, Rivers remains an important teammate that will lead the Chargers in 2015.
"Right now Philip's in the building and this is our quarterback," Flowers said. "He's a guy I've respected for so many years. And until that changes I cannot even think to feel another way. This guy works hard. He's here every day. He practices like a champ, and that's what I'm going off of."
