The Indianapolis Colts were expected to shop quarterback Jacoby Brissett after signing Philip Rivers earlier this offseason.
It appears the Colts have decided to keep Brissett on the roster even with Rivers coming in on a one-year deal.
The Colts could save money by trading Brissett, but it sounds like for the moment they plan on keeping him in Indy.
What does that mean for Brissett and does he have a fighting chance at the starting quarterback role in 2020?
Colts’ full intentions are to keep Jacoby Brissett, I'm told. His contract calls for $7M guarantee tomorrow and $6M salary, so perhaps that affects some things, but the team considers him a special guy and wants him in the fold.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 21, 2020
Rivers vs Brissett
Indy decided to bring in Rivers on a one-year $25 million deal after an average season by Brissett in 2019.
Brissett threw for 2,942 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions through 15 games with the Colts last season.
However, he struggled heavily in the second half of the season.
He threw for only four touchdowns through the final seven games of the regular season.
The Colts decided to was time to bring in a veteran quarterback with playoff experience to lead this offense.
It doesn’t sound like there’s any chance Brissett opens the season as the starter despite having a decent season in 2019.
Organizations don’t give out that kind of money to players just to have them ride the bench.
Rivers is expected to be the full-time starter, but Brissett can sit and learn from the 16 year veteran.
Source: The #Colts are releasing QB Brian Hoyer, and he’s now a free agent. The former #Patriots backup on the move.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 21, 2020
Brissett is A Reliable Backup Option
The Colts have decided to save some cap space and release quarterback Brian Hoyer.
That increases the chances that Brissett stays in Indy now with less options on the roster.
Brissett has been less than impressive during his two seasons as the starting quarterback in Indy.
However, he is able to get the job done at times and would be one of the better backup quarterbacks in the league if the Colts decide to keep him.
The 27-year-old does need to make improvements, but hopefully sitting behind Rivers can help his game.
Brissett isn’t a superstar, but he is much better than most of the current free agent options available at quarterback.
Is Brissett the Long-Term Solution at QB?
It’s unclear whether or not the Colts plan on using Brissett as their quarterback of the future.
They signed Brissett to a two-year $30 million extension in 2019.
He was the captain and appears to be well respected in the locker room.
The Colts seem hopeful that Brissett can improve, otherwise they would’ve already moved on.
Rivers will be around for at least the 2020 season, but after that, it’s unclear who is going to take over the quarterback role in Indy.
#Colts cap savings based on what happens with Jacoby Brissett and Brian Hoyer:
• Cut Brissett + Hoyer = $11.9 million
• Trade Brissett + cut Hoyer = $18.9 million pic.twitter.com/qM0QWpqEsq— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) March 20, 2020
Does Brissett Have Trade Value?
Brissett is locked into a contract for the 2020 season, but is a free agent after the year.
Most organizations already have their quarterbacks or plan to draft one in the upcoming NFL Draft.
At this point in the offseason, Brissett has limited trade value.
The most likely spot would be the New England Patriots where Brissett was drafted in 2016.
He started two games for the Patriots in 2016, but spent most of his time as the backup quarterback to Tom Brady.
Brady has moved on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so there is an opening at quarterback in New England for the first time in a long time.
It sounds like the Colts are content with having Brissett as their backup in 2020, but a potential trade to New England shouldn’t be ruled out yet.
NEXT: Could Jalen Hurts Be A Later Round QB Option For The Colts?
