The legendary NFL QB reveals the Saints were interested in him in 2021.
Former Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers announced his retirement in July, four seasons after he last took an NFL snap.
Rivers’ late retirement announcement was shocking. Many have believed the former All-Pro quarterback was already retired without an official announcement, but Rivers revealed he was still fielding calls from NFL teams. The New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers were two of the teams Rivers name dropped on the Dan Patrick Show.
Philip Rivers told @dpshow that part of the reason he didn’t officially retire until recently is because he had been receiving calls early on, including from the Saints in 2021 and the 49ers in 2022. pic.twitter.com/NE15rkhYXn https://t.co/e14lymg9rm
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 31, 2025
The legendary NFL quarterback revealed the Saints called him in 2021 after the team faced a slew of injuries while fighting for a playoff spot and were looking for someone to cover for the injured Jameis Winston.
New Orleans started a carousel of quarterbacks in place of Winston (Taysom Hill, Trevor Siemian, and Ian Book) but was looking for a more vetted and experienced quarterback to bring them into the playoffs. Rivers says the Saints didn’t only reach out to him, but also to Saints legend Drew Brees.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Rivers revealed that the offer was intriguing and something he strongly considered, but he would ultimately decline it, describing his role on the team as a “guest” quarterback. The eight-time Pro Bowler said it wouldn’t feel like he was on a journey with the team, as he would take over starting quarterback duties as the playoffs start. He acknowledged that he could’ve taken the job and been seen as a hero, leading the team to a playoff victory, but also as a villain who cost the team in the first round.
While New Orleans did finish the 2021 season winning four of their last five, they would miss the playoffs and come second in the NFC South.
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