Philip Rivers’ NFL comeback with the New Orleans Saints may not happen. But the quarterback has clearly signalled: If it’s a good fit, he’d be ready. And he’ll be ready pretty soon.

Munich – Philip Rivers is ready.

Although not – as has been speculated – for the New Orleans Saints, the 39-year-old has emphasised in the course of the short-lived rumours that he can imagine a comeback. He had ended his career in January after 17 seasons in the NFL.

“We’re happy with our quarterbacks” – Head Coach Sean Payton needed only six words to shut out the boos about the possible signing of a playmaker after Jameis Winston tore his cruciate ligament.

Trevor Siemian filled in for Winston in last Sunday’s surprising 36-27 win over Super Bowl-winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and there’s also the currently injured Taysom Hill and rookie Ian Book.

Rivers having fun with rumours

For a few hours, Rivers was in the thick of the rumour mill. But it quickly cooled down again after the Payton statement. Instead, Rivers took the opportunity to make it clear that he can step in if the fit is right.

“As I said six or eight weeks ago, I will be reasonably ready if the perfect storm comes along. There’s no truth in the talk about the Saints. It’s been fun to watch,” Rivers said on “WNSP-FM 105.5. “

There have been no talks, he confirmed, “but you can’t close the door completely. It takes a team that wants you. It has to be the right situation for our family,” said Rivers, who has nine children with wife Tiffany.

First season as high school coach

The veteran most recently finished his first season as coach with the St. Michael Catholic Cardinals, the high school team finishing with a 6-3 record with Rivers on the sidelines.

Asked if he was theoretically ready to play Sunday, Rivers answered, “Yes. You can get it going pretty quickly. I’d need a little bit of time physically, a couple of weeks, but not much,” he said.