The Colts gave QB Philip Rivers a one-year, $25MM deal this offseason in the hopes that Rivers’ familiarity with Indy’s offensive system and a strong O-line will allow the 38-year-old to recapture some of his former magic. And if he does, look for the team to bring Rivers back in 2021.
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Colts head coach Frank Reich told reporters, including Mike Chappell of CBS 4, that he fully anticipates a multi-year relationship with Rivers (Twitter link). That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise given that Reich championed the Rivers signing and has repeatedly said that he has no concerns about the eight-time Pro Bowler’s abilities at this point in his career. Plus, Rivers himself has stated that he wants to play for two more seasons, so if he performs well in 2020, it stands to reason that both sides would want to run it back the following year.
On the other hand, the Colts have also said that they still see 2019 starter and current QB2 Jacoby Brissett as a potential long-term answer, but if the team re-signs Rivers in 2021, Brissett — who is entering the last year of his current deal — will almost certainly seek greener pastures elsewhere. Indianapolis also selected Washington QB Jacob Eason in the fourth round of this year’s draft, and he could take over as Rivers’ backup next season if Brissett leaves.
Of course, this may all be a moot point. There is understandably plenty of concern about how Rivers will play this year given his difficult 2019 campaign, and though playing behind a terrific O-line will help, not all of Rivers’ struggles last season can be attributed to the Chargers’ comparatively weak offensive front. If Rivers looks more like the 2019 version of himself than the 2018 edition, then Brissett and Eason could both become starting options, and the Colts could also look for a first-round signal-caller.
Reich, however, does not expect that to happen and fully believes Rivers’ end-of-career stint in Indianapolis will cover at least two seasons.
Frank Reich should be both coach and QB. His playoff passer rating is 97.5 while Rivers is just 84.2
They’ll probably draft someone in the first round and redshirt him for a season while he learns under Rivers. The Colts have an amazing supporting cast; they can’t waste their potential banking on mediocrity like Brissett or a wild card like Eason
Eason may be a good fit. Both he and Rivers are pocket guys, so if the offense if built around that (and it should be with their line) Eason is an interesting prospect. He just didn’t fit with a lot of teams that are looking for the mobile QBs for the more modern offense
It’ll just depend on how well the staff can develop him. He has a high ceiling, but he’s also very raw
Think he cld still play at a high level behind tht offensive line
Let’s try actually having a 2020 season first there, Frankie
Rivers will be better this year than he was with the Chargers largely due to having a better o line and some young fresh targets but I’m not sure about 2021.
They definitely be letting Brissett and his 15mil leave and Eason will be much more improved.
They could resign rivers and keep him for another season, they could also look at Newton, Winston, Prescott, Dalton, Taylor and Tribisky who will all be free agents. They could look at the draft and grab a top QB late in the first like Jamie Newman or Kellen Mond. Newman I think will be a real stud and could be a top 15 player.
Either way the colts have options and flexibility moving forward and don’t have to rush any decisions. Obviously in the next 2/3 years it would make sense if they got a young QB to go with their young RB and WR they just drafted.
I’d say in order for 2021 it should be Dak (if not to expensive), Newman/Fields, Rivers, Dalton, Winston and yeah. Ideally take one of the top 3 options
If the Colts have any kind of fulfilled expectations in 2020, they’ll be picking in the late 20’s or early 30’s in next year’s draft. That doesn’t translate to pick up a first round QB whose value is top 15. Rivers for 2 or 2 years followed by Eason. Brissett one way or the other will be gone; hopefully via a trade for a draft pick sometime prior to or during the season by the trade deadline.
Sorry, that’s 1 or 2 years.
It doesn’t mean they have to grab a QB but I think if Fields or Newman or someone quality is available they definitely should grab someone can then either start that QB of have Rivers or another vet on a 1 year deal.
I do like Eason but I don’t think he will be a starter in the next 1/2/3 seasons. I think of him more as a good back up or bad starter.
Have they watched ole wounded duck throw? Man it is painful.