Colts shouldn’t be interested in a QB move that relates directly to Philip Rivers even if it’s a cheap option
The Colts may be tempted by his decision, but they have better avenues to success at QB.
The Indianapolis Colts will have to figure out the future at quarterback for the franchise. A recent report regarding a veteran QB may place him firmly on their radar.
That being said, does he make the most sense for Indianapolis?
Philip Rivers’ decision to come out of retirement may connect to an offseason QB option for Colts
Deciding to come out of retirement is never an easy choice, but New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr may join Philip Rivers in that sector this offseason. Rivers joined the Colts last season after injuries mounted for their QB room, and Carr is reportedly mulling over a possible return to the NFL after retiring last offseason.
“As quarterback injuries mounted this season and into the playoffs, teams conducted due diligence on Carr, trying to gather information as to whether the former Saints franchise passer would consider coming out of retirement, sources tell The Insiders. The Bengals, for instance, contacted Carr after Joe Burrow went down with his turf toe injury.
That work continues, and an offseason of quarterback uncertainty — with limited options in free agency, trades and the draft — makes Carr a possible solution in the right situation.” — NFL.com
The intrigue in trading for Carr would be partially due to the expected price. It’s hard to imagine the compensation headed to the Saints in return for a quarterback who will never play for them again will be anything more than a Day 3 pick or even a Day 3 pick swap. It won’t cost a team much to acquire him.
The Colts could think that he is their best potential value for a “bridge” option since the future at the position for Indy is still unknown.
Carr provides a baseline of play that teams who need a quarterback for 2026 as he’s shown he can operate an offense with legitimate pieces around him. The Colts do check that box with the offensive line unit and one of the best running backs in football in Jonathan Taylor.
Derek Carr may not be the best fit for Colts if Saints trade him
I discussed the pros and cons of Indy going after Carr if he comes out of retirement with Destin Adams, who covers the Colts. He thinks that another experienced QB may be a better choice for their offense in 2026.
“The Colts are again facing a decision at the quarterback position this offseason. All signs point to the team bringing Daniel Jones back, even after his season ended prematurely when he tore his right Achilles tendon.
It seems another option the team could consider has now emerged, with buzz that Carr could make an NFL comeback. This means the Colts have to ask themselves, would Carr be a better option than Jones? To me, I can confidently say no, he would not be.
Jones was arguably playing the best ball of his career before he suffered a fractured leg. Somehow, he pushed past it and played on that injury for multiple games until he tore his Achilles. Unless a better option presents itself, Jones will be the Colts’ top option at QB, and Carr is not what I would consider a better option.
On top of overall skill and fit in the Colts offense, another key component that makes Jones a better option for Indy is his relationship with the team’s top in-house free agent, Alec Pierce. Pierce has made it clear that if the Colts re-sign Jones, it would go a long way toward leading him to do the same.” — Destin Adams, A to Z Sports
New Orleans Saints News
Major NFL news makes life even easier for the New Orleans Saints front office as they attack offseason task they’ll deal with quickly
The Saints got some great news for their offseason plans.
