San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers said he would welcome the competition in the AFC West if Peyton Manning joined the Denver Broncos.
"I have to admit, and maybe people think I'm crazy, but I really hope it's Denver," Rivers told during a Wednesday radio interview on XEPRS-AM.
"It would immediately make it that much tougher to win the West. Gosh, to play him twice a year, the AFC West would become a division that's not lost in the shuffle," Rivers said. "I'm kind of hoping that's the case It's always fun to play a Peyton-led football team."
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Rivers also said he was sorry to lose receiver Vincent Jackson, who signed a five-year contract Tuesday with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
"I'm happy for him. He earned the contract he got. He put in seven good years here. I certainly enjoyed playing with him...." Rivers said. "It's unfortunate but on the bright side, we were able to make some counter moves, bring in a receiver like (former Saints wideout Robert) Meachem that's pretty diverse and special."
In addition to praising the acquisition of the speedy Meachem, Rivers cited the retention of center Nick Hardwick and tackle Jared Gaither. "The biggest two things we've done is get Hardwick and Gaither (re-)signed. I think that was huge."
