Philip Rivers Agrees to 6-Year Extension

The top of the 2004 NFL Draft included three quarterbacks who have already had impressive careers. All three are now locked up in long-term by the teams that picked them up on draft day.

The last of the three was Chargers starter Philip Rivers. His deal was set to expire after the season, and the Chargers had the "franchise player" tag to dangle over him as they tried to get a new deal done before he hit free agency.

Rivers decided that the Chargers' offer was too good to pass up, no matter the riches that may have been available in free agency.

He agreed Monday to a six-year extension that includes around $38 million in guaranteed money, according to ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli.

The deal comes just days after Pasquarelli reported that talks weren't going terribly well. In his story, Pasquarelli notes that "it's believed Rivers became personally involved in the talks."

"This is a great day for the Chargers and Chargers fans," said team President Dean Spanos in a statement Monday. "Philip has proven he has all of the necessary qualities to be a successful quarterback in the NFL. He's a proven winner and an unquestioned leader for this football team."

In his three years as a starter, Rivers has put up a passer rating of 92.9, and he has 78 touchdown passes to just 36 interceptions. He has shown accuracy, arm strength, and toughness, playing in the 2007 AFC championship game at New England despite ligament damage to his knee.

The deal falls just short of the $97.5 million deal recently inked by Giants quarterback Eli Manning.

As for the Chargers, they're not done taking care of potential free agents. Linebacker Shawne Merriman and offensive lineman Marcus McNeill are among those still without contracts for 2010, and that should keep general manager A.J. Smith plenty busy.