The Indianapolis Colts made a big move on Monday at the start of free agency, and it seems another move could be on the way in the form of veteran free-agent quarterback Philip Rivers.
Nothing has been made official and as of this writing, there hasn’t been a report that the two sides have agreed to a contract, but it seems to be heading that way. It appears the pairing of Colts and Rivers is picking up more steam as Tuesday’s events continue to unfold.
Stephen Holder and Bob Kravitz of The Athletic are saying that while the deal isn’t done, it will happen barring a major and unexpected change.
Don’t get distracted. It’s Philip Rivers to Indy (barring something none of us could predict). It’s happening. https://t.co/jdOw8efYom
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 17, 2020
This is accurate. I’m told the same thing. Barring a major glitch, Rivers is the guy. https://t.co/zKznTnCdvZ
— Bob Kravitz (@bkravitz) March 17, 2020
It was reported earlier Tuesday morning that Rivers was the top target for the Colts in free agency but that the two sides were keeping an open dialogue.
Let me elaborate…Per sources, the Colts indeed continue talks w free agent QB Philip Rivers. No deal yet, but everything indicates he is their No. 1 target. Nothing is ever done until it's done (see: Josh McDaniels), so the Colts have considered alternatives as well. Stay tuned https://t.co/fTdM4D5NXu
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 17, 2020
These things are always very fluid, so using measured language is important. Bear with me.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 17, 2020
Nothing is official until it’s official so take all of this with a grain of salt. That said, the Rivers train has been growing quickly since the start of free agency. As soon as the legal tampering period opened at noon on Monday, it was reported the Colts were already having discussions with Rivers.
The NFL is wildly unpredictable and the Colts know first-hand that nothing is official until the ink dries on the contract.
That said, the question of the Colts signing the 38-year-old Rivers is becoming more of a when and less of an if.