The Indianapolis Colts signed quarterback Philip Rivers to a one-year deal hoping he can get them back into the playoff picture in what should be a wide-open AFC South.
Playing on a one-year deal worth $25 million, the question of value sometimes comes into play when evaluating quarterback situations. NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal ranked the most valuable quarterbacks in the league based on talent, production, age and contract.
Rivers came in at No. 21.
Frank Reich could be wrong. I could be wrong. But Rivers can still make all the throws if he’s protected, which he should be in Indianapolis. Even considering Rivers’ one-year, $25 million contract, I’d rather have a chance at catching lightning in a bottle than rolling with a younger, cheaper player who is less likely to be an asset.
On a one-year deal, the price almost doesn’t matter. It only impacts the salary cap for this season and while Rivers and the Colts are both open to another year if 2020 works out, the high price is fine for the one-year deal.
Brissett was also ranked among the quarterbacks, coming in at No. 31.
Brissett’s 2019 season fell apart after he sprained his MCL, and now he’s one of the highest paid backups in NFL history at $15.9 million. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Brissett have a Fitzpatrick-like 15-year career as a backup and fill-in starter.
The Colts could very well be adding to the quarterback room this month when the 2020 NFL draft rolls around, but Rivers will be leading the room as Indy hopes to get back into the playoffs.