The Indianapolis Colts have already made some blockbuster moves this off-season.
One of them was signing veteran quarterback Philip Rivers to a one-year $25 million deal.
Rivers is fully expected to be the starter in 2020, but what happens to Jacoby Brissett?
Should the Colts trade Brissett or keep him on the roster this upcoming season?
There could be some positives to keeping around Brissett for the 2020 season.
Colts agree to terms with QB Philip Rivers on one-year deal worth roughly $25M. (via @judybattista + @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/lMz6o4U1uJ
— NFL (@NFL) March 17, 2020
Why Bring in Rivers?
The Colts decided to bring in the 16-year veteran quarterback after a mediocre season by Brissett.
Indy was looking to add an experienced quarterback with playoff experience and Rivers definitely qualifies for that.
While Brissett is still under contract for 2020, the Colts didn’t pay Rivers that much money to sit on the bench.
However, the fact it is a one-year deal means this isn’t a long-term solution at quarterback and Brissett could actually return as the starter at some point.
#1: Brissett Has Potential
The Colts went 7-8 under Brissett last season, but his statistics on paper weren’t too bad.
Brissett threw for 2,942 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions through 15 games with the Colts last season.
He limited turnovers and actually looked like he was a great fit for the team during the first half of the season.
Brissett struggled during the last seven games of the 2019 season, but he showed flashes of what he is capable of doing as a starting quarterback.
He is only 27 years old and has time to learn and grow into a better quarterback.
The 2019 season was only his second time being a full-time NFL quarterback and he looked like he belonged during the first half of the season.
It could take some time for Brissett to really settle in, but he could actually succeed as a starter in the NFL if he’s put into the right system and makes the correct adjustments.
#2: Rivers Signed a One Year Deal
Yes, bringing in Rivers gives the Colts playoff experience and knowledge that Brissett doesn’t have, but he isn’t a long-term solution.
The fact Indy only signed Rivers to a one-year deal means they will likely use Brissett, trade for another quarterback, or draft someone after the 2020 season.
Brissett can use this season to sit and learn from a successful veteran quarterback who has been playing in the league for 16 years.
Jacoby Brissett is the same player we saw at NC State in 2015. It’s incredible how close his college and NFL stats are, showing little to no development since:
NC State = 59.9 COMP%, 6.9 Y/A, 202.7 YPG, 3.9 TD/INT ratio#Colts = 59.8 COMP%, 6.6 Y/A, 172.6 YPG, 2.4 TD/INT ratio
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) January 8, 2020
Brissett hasn’t made big improvements since joining the league and that is why the Colts went with Rivers over him.
He isn’t an awful quarterback, but the Colts haven’t been successful either season that Brissett was the starting quarterback.
Possibly sitting for one season and learning some things from Rivers will help Brissett improve and become a better quarterback.
#3: It’s Always Nice to Have Depth
Most organizations already have their quarterback or they plan on drafting one during the upcoming NFL Draft.
There is only limited places that Brissett could land at this point, so the Colts may consider just hanging onto him.
If the Colts do want to trade Jacoby Brissett, they'll probably want to do it before he gets a $7m bonus on Monday (fifth day of league year).
Brissett is owed $13m this year, plus up to $2m in roster bonus. Cheap contract for a potential starting QB
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 17, 2020
That $13 million contract is quite a lot for a backup quarterback, but you never know what could happen.
Starting quarterbacks were dropping right and left last season due to injuries, so having Brissett is a huge plus for the Colts.
If Rivers were to struggle heavily or get injured at least Indy would have Brissett to take over.
Brissett already knows the playbook and the system, so keeping him around could benefit Indy.
The Colts wouldn’t likely get a huge return in exchange for Brissett, so letting him sit and learn from Rivers could be the best option for the organization right now.
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