Rivers hasn't heard from Saints but open to NFL return

If the New Orleans Saints want to tease Philip Rivers out of retirement, the quarterback is ready to talk.

Rivers told Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday that he hasn't heard from the Saints, but would listen if they approach him about joining the team. New Orleans recently lost quarterback Jameis Winston for the season due to a torn ACL.

The 39-year-old left the door open for a late-season return when asked about his future in August.

"I'm just going to stay ready," Rivers said. "I want to make sure I'm very clear: I'm not predicting I will play in December or January, for that matter. One, you've got to have somebody who wants you, and two, it's got to be right.

"But I have not completely ruled that out."

The Saints reportedly intend to give Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian the chance to replace Winston before looking at outside options.

Rivers took over as the head coach of an Alabama high school football team in July after retiring, but their season ended last week.

The veteran signal-caller last played for the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, leading the club to an 11-5 record while throwing for 4,169 yards and 24 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.

He spent the previous 16 seasons with the San Diego/Los Angles Chargers, putting together a Hall of Fame-caliber career.

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