San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers considered retirement after the 2014 season when he dealt with rib and back injuries. He eventually signed a four-year contract extension last August, and Rivers now says he feels far better this offseason than last. ‘This year, physically, I’m great. Emotionally, it’s been rough, but I’m excited — I really am excited about who the new core is going to be. I’m excited to be part of that group. I’m waiting for it, kind of letting them take it. … It’s not going to be the buddies I came with; they’re going to be gone,’ Rivers said.

Footballguys View: Every longtime starting quarterback gets to that point in their career, so it’s no surprise to read this report about Rivers. Things are up in the air with the Chargers right now, but Rivers will be there to lead the way in 2016.

Former University of Miami head coach Al Golden will interview for the open defensive backs coach position with the Dallas Cowboys Wednesday, Jan. 27, according to a source.

Carolina Panthers SS Roman Harper (eye) will be kept out of contact drills in practice this week as he recovers from a scratched eye that he suffered in the NFC Championship.

Carolina Panthers RB Fozzy Whittaker (ankle) tweaked his sprained ankle in the NFC Championship game, but he is expected to be fine for Super Bowl 50, according to head coach Ron Rivera.

Footballguys View: Whittaker shouldn’t get much work in Super Bowl 50 against the Broncos. We’re not counting on him to do much in the game. First, the Broncos defense is tremendous at stopping the run. Second, Whittaker is serving as a backup behind Jonathan Stewart. It could be a long day for the Panthers if they force things on the ground against the Broncos.

Cincinnati Bengals WRs Marvin Jones, Mohamed Sanu and Brandon Tate are impending unrestricted free agents this offseason.

Footballguys View: The Bengals (like all teams) will have a little bit of time to sign their own free agents before the start of the new league year. While Tate may be gone, they could keep him around to keep contributing on special teams. Sanu is a fine possession receiver, but he may be looking for a larger role. Jones is the guy to keep around above the others, but his price tag is unknown at this time.

Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning would become the oldest quarterback in NFL history to win a Super Bowl if he’s able to beat the Carolina Panthers, breaking the record of former Broncos QB John Elway in 1998.

Former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil has been hired by the San Francisco 49ers for the same position, according to a source.

Buffalo Bills FS Aaron Williams (neck) is ready to go for next season and could have played in the playoffs had the Bills made it that far, according to general manager Doug Whaley.

Baltimore Ravens impending free-agent WR Kamar Aiken is expected to be re-signed this offseason, according to Clifton Brown of CSNMidAtlantic.com.

Buffalo Bills DT Kyle Williams (knee) is expected to be ready for training camp, according to general manager Doug Whaley. Williams is recovering from meniscus surgery.