When Jim Irsay said that all options were on the table at quarterback, he opened up a can of worms.
On Sunday, Irsay told the media at his press conference he was unsure who will start at quarterback in 2020 for the Indianapolis Colts.
Colts owner Jim Irsay is “open-minded” about the team’s QB situation but high on Jacoby Brissett: “I think that Jacoby is on the rise and you got to give him time to develop.”https://t.co/u21spPHy8p pic.twitter.com/fOyy2HsJrN
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 23, 2020
This has opened up rumors to the draft, including Utah State’s Jordan Love professing he would love to play for the Colts.
When it comes to free agency, it appears that one candidate has emerged as a favorite according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
From NFL Now: The #Colts appear to make the most sense for former #Chargers QB Philip Rivers, while the #Raiders loom as an interesting option, as well. pic.twitter.com/mfuxklPFf5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2020
Former Teammate Agrees
Free-agent running back Melvin Gordon played four seasons with Rivers with the Los Angeles Chargers.
According to him, he believes that Rivers will play for the Colts in 2020.
“I think he’ll go to the Colts,” Gordon told CBS Sports. “I don’t know, that’s just my thought. . . . He has Nick there, the offensive coordinator, he came from here. . . . They run the same playbook so it would be easy, he can be telling guys what to do. . . . I think that’s probably the best fit.”
Nick Sirianni was a Chargers assistant for five years and has a close rapport with Rivers.
The Need For A Change
Despite entering next season at 38-years old, Rivers is one of the best passers in the league.
The Colts have one of the best offensive lines in football.
Even though Rivers did not have the best line to protect him in recent years, he has still produced at a high level.
Most Passing TDs since 2017
Russell Wilson – 100
Tom Brady – 85
Kirk Cousins – 83
Philip Rivers – 83
Drew Brees – 82
Jared Goff – 82
Matt Ryan – 81
Carson Wentz – 81
Patrick Mahomes – 76
Dak Prescott – 74
Deshaun Watson – 71
Jameis Winston – 71
Matthew Stafford – 69— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) February 24, 2020
On the other hand, Brissett, at 27 years old, went 7-8 as the starter last season.
He threw just 18 touchdowns and six interceptions.
On paper, the Colts can make an argument they are one quarterback away from contending and this is where Rivers steps in.
The Big Picture
Rivers left the Chargers after 16 years with 59,271 career passing yards and 297 touchdowns.
At this stage in his career, he wants to win and he made that clear at the end of the regular season.
QB1 is all heart. pic.twitter.com/kNalRfkWY7
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) December 29, 2019
Final Thoughts
If the Colts are in win-now mode, then Rivers is a prime target to snatch.
Rivers saw his passer rating dip to its lowest since 2007 but can you blame the guy?
According to PFF, the Chargers had the 29th ranked offensive line last year.
Meanwhile, the Colts had the No. 3 ranked line in the league and Brissett could only muster 18 touchdowns, while Rivers threw 23 touchdown passes.
If the Colts are serious about winning right now, then Rivers is definitely worth a look.
