Philip Rivers says it’s either Colts or retirement in 2021
By Scott Rogust
Following the Indianapolis Colts’ playoff exit, veteran quarterback Philip Rivers provided an update regarding his playing future.
Virtually nobody gave the Indianapolis Colts a fighters chance against the second-seeded Buffalo Bills prior to their Wild Card matchup on Saturday. Yet, the Colts hung in until the very end but fell 27-24 to the Bills.
A big question mark heading into the postseason was the status of veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, who’s set to hit the open market at season’s end. Following the loss, Rivers revealed his intentions for the 2021 season.
Either he re-signs with the Colts, or he’ll officially retire after 17 seasons.
Philip Rivers on his future: "If it's God's will that I'm in Indy with the Colts next year, then I'll be here. If not, I'll be on the sideline with a ballcap on my head, coaching football."
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) January 9, 2021
Rivers has a head coaching gig waiting for him upon retirement
After 16 seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Rivers hit free agency for the first time in his career. He didn’t have to wait too long to find a new home, as the Colts signed him to a massive one-year, $25 million contract.
Two months after the signing, Rivers agreed to terms with St. Michael Catholic High School of Fairhope, Ala. to become their head coach. The deal would officially begin as soon as he retires.
In his first year with Indianapolis, Rivers eliminated the turnover issues that plagued him in the 2019 season. Through 16 games, the veteran completed 68.0-percent of his passes for 4,169 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. That, and he returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
On Saturday, the Colts played relatively well, but struggled mightily in the red zone. From a would-be touchdown reception dropped by receiver Michael Pittman to a 33-yard field goal attempt by Rodrigo Blankenship bounced off the upright, Indianapolis couldn’t buy points. Rivers threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns while completed 58.7-percent of his passes.
The Colts, whom have a projected $58 million in cap space for 2021 (per Over the Cap), have to ask themselves if they want to give Rivers another shot next season. They’re in prime position to land a quarterback in the first-round of the NFL Draft, so they could opt to pivot to a rookie starter next season.
Rivers enjoyed his year with the Colts, and if he can’t return, he’ll begin his high school coaching career.
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