The Indianapolis Colts made plenty of headlines Monday when they made a blockbuster trade, and it appears they have their eyes set on free-agent quarterback Philip Rivers.
Though the situation is still fluid and no deal has been done yet, Stephen Holder of The Athletic reports that Rivers and the Colts are continuing their talks and that “everything indicates” the 38-year-old is the team’s top target in free agency.
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
This doesn’t mean that the Colts and Rivers will come to a deal. His price could wind up being outside the range for general manager Chris Ballard, who just spent a first-round pick and a massive extension on DeForest Buckner.
However, it does appear that the talks are gaining steam and given the need and fit, Rivers has certainly been linked to the Colts all offseason.
In 2019, Rivers completed 66% of his passes for 4,615 yards, 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. Colts head coach Frank Reich was the quarterbacks coach (2013) and offensive coordinator (2014–2015) for Rivers when they were both with the Chargers. Rivers and the Chargers mutually parted ways this offseason after 16 years.
It will be interesting to see what ultimately comes of this, but the Colts could have a new quarterback under center very soon.