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The Indianapolis Colts will spend this offseason trying to make improvements to the roster both in the short term and in the long term and, specifically for the latter, what to do at the quarterback position.
Now that we know where the Colts sit in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft, we can begin to look at their chances of moving up to grab a quarterback.
Whether Philip Rivers returns doesn’t impact what the Colts may do in terms of the big picture, and head coach Frank Reich acknowledged that the team has to find its long-term answer at the position.
“It’s obviously a critical position. I have a lot of confidence in our ability as an organization – obviously, the leadership that Chris (Ballard) brings, him being the GM. Obviously, I feel confident in my ability to help lead that and then I feel like we have an owner who understands the landscape and will give us what we need and will be involved in the discussions on such a critical position,” Reich said Monday. “Yeah, we’re looking for an answer. You have to make the answer for next year, but like you said because of Philip’s (Rivers) age that certainly has to be in the perspective and the discussion.”
The Colts could re-sign Rivers to another one-year deal and still look for their answer in the future of the position. That could come in the form of trading up for a rookie in the upcoming draft or seeing what they have in 2020 fourth-round pick Jacob Eason during the preseason.
The Colts do find themselves in a bit of a quandary. Even if Rivers returns, it may be tough for them to move up in the first round. Their best chances are to move up for a prospect like Zach Wilson (if he falls) or Trey Lance, both of which profile as high-upside prospects.
But finding that answer at the most important position in football is becoming a bigger priority every day. Rivers is a great stop-gap and proved in 2020 he deserves another deal, but he’s not the future.
Eason has upside given his arm talent but we’ve never seen him play in a game so he is an unknown at this point.
Regardless, the Colts are acknowledging that the long-term answer at quarterback is becoming a bigger priority so it will be interesting to see if that impacts their moves this offseason.
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