Fansided

3 quarterbacks the Colts can target after Philip Rivers’ retirement

By Rucker Haringey

ORCHARD PARK, NY - JANUARY 09: Philip Rivers #17 of the Indianapolis Colts calls a play against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on January 9, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - JANUARY 09: Philip Rivers #17 of the Indianapolis Colts calls a play against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on January 9, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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Colts free agency rumors, Andy Dalton
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 03: Andy Dalton #14 of the Dallas Cowboys attempts a pass against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on January 03, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Andy Dalton

The Cowboys signed Dalton with the expectation that he would be Dak Prescott’s backup last season, but an injury to Dallas’ superstar thrust the Red Rifle into starting duty. He responded with a solid season where he completed just under 65% of his passes for 2,170 yards and 14 touchdowns.

The eight interceptions he threw should be a reason for Indianapolis to scrutinize Dalton’s tape. When the examination ends, the Colts will understand that Dalton needs a clean pocket to thrive at this stage of his career. That’s something he rarely enjoyed in Dallas.

He projects to be an ideal fit in the run-heavy offense that Indianapolis wants to employ. Dalton’s a highly intelligent player who can keep the Colts offense on schedule. His ability to get the team in the right play would pay big dividends. He still has the arm strength required to make big throws when called upon. That’s really all the Colts need from their quarterback position.

Arguably the most attractive quality about bringing Dalton in is that it will only take a modest contract in free agency. He’s not going to earn big money on the open market. The Colts could sign him at a much smaller cap number than it would have taken to retain Rivers. That would allow the team even more flexibility to fill other needs on the roster.

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