Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
The speculation that San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers could cash in with a lucrative contract extension is worth listening to.
It has been long been believed that San Diego wants to do something long-term with Rivers. Chargers general manager A.J. Smith is one of the most aggressive executives in the league when it comes to trying to extend the contracts of his players. To Smith, this is the basis for building a winning franchise: Draft quality players, develop them and secure them to long-term contracts.
There is no way the Chargers want to let Rivers go. He has one more year to go on his contract. Expect the Chargers and Rivers to talk seriously at some point in the offseason.
Rivers is becoming the face of the franchise. With tailback LaDainian Tomlinson's career starting to wind down, the focal point of the team will be Rivers. He became the centerpiece in 2008. Rivers is arguably the team's best player and he is the undisputed leader. When San Diego won its final four games of the season to win the AFC West division title it was because Rivers carried the team and willed it to win.
Couple the Chargers' eagerness to secure its top players and Rivers' worthiness for a big contract, it is likely only a matter of time before a deal is done to keep Rivers as the Chargers quarterback for the foreseeable future.
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
