Former Los Angeles Chargers veteran quarterback Philip Rivers departed his longtime franchise in free agency this spring, signing with the Indianapolis Colts in a surprising move. Rivers, at 38 years old, will see a new organization for the first time in 16 years.
Why did Rivers agree with a deal with the Colts, though? It all has to do with his protection up front (per Nick Shook in NFL.com).
“The big part of Philip being here is Anthony Castonzo. Quenton Nelson,” Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni said Monday. “Ryan Kelly. Braden Smith. Mark Glowinski. Those guys are studs.”
“That's something that he just kept mentioning after we signed him of how valuable those guys were to him.”
Rivers will succeed Jacoby Brissett under center for Indianapolis. Rivers will be flanked in two Pro Bowl offensive linemen in guard Quenton Nelson and center Ryan Kelly along with tight end Jack Doyle. Brissett was only sacked 27 times over 15 games for the Colts. Rivers, meanwhile, a decade-plus in the hard-hitting league, was sacked 34 times in 16 games last year with the Chargers.
Despite his age, Rivers should provide stability at the quarterback position nine months after Pro Bowler Andrew Luck suddenly retired last preseason for the Colts, moving Brissett into the starting role. Brissett was a capable, not spectacular signal-caller for Indy, who went 7-9 in 2019.
Rivers led the NFL in passing yards during the 2010 season with the then–San Diego Chargers and threw more than 30 touchdown passes in four of his last seven seasons.
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