National Football League

Chargers closer to trading Rivers after reported Mariota workout?

Published Jan. 9, 2017 11:45 p.m. ET

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It's a blockbuster of a trade rumor that just won't go away. Based on Monday's latest developments, the buzz is only going to intensify.

The Tennessee Titans currently hold the No. 2 pick in the first round of the NFL Draft on April 30. The San Diego Chargers hold the 17th pick ... and veteran QB Philip Rivers. Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt served as offensive coordinator in San Diego in 2013 and was a big fan of Rivers.

Last month, Rivers told the San Diego Union-Tribune that he will not re-sign with the club and will instead play out his contract and become a free agent after this season. Rumors have been flying since that the Chargers could move Rivers this offseason, and the Titans and that second overall pick have been a hot target in the rumor mills, the idea being the Chargers would then swoop up Oregon quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota with that pick.

Well, guess who reportedly just flew to Oregon on Monday for a private workout with Mariota. Per the U-T:

And then came this:

Indeed, the feeling that the Rivers-for-Mariota rumors are more than simply speculation. From FOX Sports 1 NFL Insider Peter Schrager, in his latest mock draft:

If that holds true, then the question becomes: Would the Titans trade the pick or simply take the best player not named Mariota at No. 2? And, of course, this is all contingent on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers doing what just about every prognosticator expects and taking Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston with the first overall pick.

A couple of other facts worth noting:

● Rivers, 33, is an Alabama native.

● In 2012, the season before Whisenhunt arrived in San Diego, the Chargers ranked 31st in total offense, 24th in passing; in 2013, Whisenhunt's lone season in San Diego, the Chargers were fifth in total offense and fourth in passing. Last season, Whisenhunt's first in Tennessee, those numbers dipped back down to 18th in total offense and 10th in passing.

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