2018 NFL Draft: Five franchises that could unexpectedly take a quarterback

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens runs off the field in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens runs off the field in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 24: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers warms up prior to an NFL game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 24: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers warms up prior to an NFL game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on December 24, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Chargers

Philip Rivers has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in NFL history. 4,000 passing yards is more of an expectation than an achievement, and 30 touchdowns is always within reach for the former North Carolina State Wolfpack star.

Rivers is now 36 years of age, however, and has a potential out in his contract in 2019—one year before he becomes a 38-year-old free agent.

It’s possible that the Los Angeles Chargers will wait until the later rounds to find a quarterback at the 2018 NFL Draft. It also stands to reason that the Chargers aren’t high on any of the quarterbacks who could fall to No. 17 overall.

Father Time is undefeated, however, and he could soon be coming for Rivers—meaning Los Angeles must begin preparing for the future.

Baker Mayfield could be the perfect replacement for Rivers, due in large part to the fact that they share fiery personalities that other players have proven to rally around. It’s unclear if they’d get along, but the transition could make sense.

Regardless of whom the Chargers target, they must realize Rivers’ mortality and prepare for the future at some point this offseason.