The Indianapolis Colts made their intentions clear when they signed veteran quarterback Philip Rivers to a one-year deal this past week.
General manager Chris Ballard pursued Rivers with the notion he will be able to help the Colts reestablish themselves as Super Bowl contenders in 2020.
Initially, Indy's play for Rivers led to some speculation as to whether the Colts would attempt to trade 2019 starter, Jacoby Brissett. However, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported the Colts intend to keep Brissett in spite of salary considerations, saying the Colts feel Brissett is a “special guy.”
Colts’ full intentions are to keep Jacoby Brissett, I'm told. His contract calls for $7M guarantee tomorrow and $6M salary, so perhaps that affects some things, but the team considers him a special guy and wants him in the fold.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 21, 2020
Brissett was thrust into the starting role after Andrew Luck abruptly retired. He performed admirably, going 7-8 in 15 starts and nearly leading the Colts to a playoff appearance.
The former NC State man threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns against just six interceptions, but he also averaged only 6.6 yards gained per pass attempt while completing barely over 60 percent of his passes.
That said, Brissett displayed some good pocket presence and nifty mobility in his first full season as a starter and playing relatively mistake-free football seems to bode well for his future.
The Colts essentially cinched the idea Brissett would remain with the team in 2020 when they released former backup Brian Hoyer on Saturday.
Perhaps Brissett's moment arrived just a bit too soon. At least, that is how the Colts see things. Ballard never once gave a ringing endorsement of Brissett as the starter, and it seemed likely the Colts would shake things up under center.
However, Brissett might benefit from some tutelage under Rivers as Indianapolis hopes to make the leap in 2020.
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