Philip Rivers Will Listen If Saints Come Calling

Retired quarterback Philip Rivers managed to make it through the halfway point of the NFL season without anyone mentioning him coming out of retirement.

Then Saints quarterback Jameis Winston tore his ACL in Sunday's 36-27 win over the Bucs. And while Trevor Siemian stepped in and won the game, rumors are swirling about New Orleans bringing a veteran into the room. Cam Newton might be the biggest name on the free agent market, but Rivers is reportedly throwing his name into the mix.

Per the LA Times' Sam Farmer, Rivers hasn't heard from the Saints but would listen. Rivers, 39, made eight Pro Bowls with the Chargers, becoming their all-time leading passer before signing with the Colts last season. In his lone season in Indianapolis, Rivers went 11-5, throwing for 4,169 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Rivers announced his retirement at the end of the season after 16 years in the NFL. Rivers took a job at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama to become the school's head football coach. The school's regular season ended on Friday, meaning that Rivers is suddenly available to play. Rivers previously told ESPN's Chris Mortenson in August that he would not entertain a return until after the team's regular season ended.

Saints head coach Sean Payton said on Monday that the team will not look to add another quarterback. Payton's comments indicate that the 5-2 Saints will lean on Siemian and Taysom Hill, who remains in concussion protocol.