Philip Rivers Reportedly Being Vetted by Colts Ahead of 2020 NFL Free Agency

The Indianapolis Colts and free-agent quarterback Philip Rivers have been connected this offseason as the soon-to-be ex-Los Angeles Chargers signal-caller looks for a new home after 16 seasons with the Bolts.

Stephen Holder of The Athletic provided an update on that front Thursday, noting that the Colts are "vetting" the 38-year-old:  

"As it relates to Rivers, the team is vetting the veteran Chargers quarterback in anticipation of his free agency next month, a league source said. This can take many forms, including gathering various opinions on Rivers from around the league. The Colts aren't denying this, but the question is what to make of this development. One source cautioned against drawing firm conclusions, suggesting such processes with impending free agents is routine. It doesn't mean the Colts are a lock to sign Rivers, but it also does nothing to squelch rumors that the Colts are legitimately interested."

Rivers completed 66.0 percent of his passes for 4,615 yards, 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions with the Chargers in 2019. The eight-time Pro Bowler threw for 7.8 yards per attempt.

While the Colts appear to be doing their due diligence on Rivers, Holder reported the team has not "engaged in any discussions" with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who will also be a free agent at the start of the new league year.

The Colts have options at the quarterback position outside Rivers, and per Holder, they are considering all of them:

"But keep in mind that, whatever you hear or read about the Colts in the coming days and weeks, there is one thing we know for certain: Everything is under consideration.

"Signing a veteran quarterback, drafting a prospect, proceeding with current starter Jacoby Brissett — it is all in play. The final outcome could be any of the above and the situation is fluid."

Indianapolis turned to Jacoby Brissett after Andrew Luck's sudden retirement in August 2019 and signed the backup to a two-year deal. He completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 2,942 yards, 18 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 6.6 yards-per-attempt rate.

The 27-year-old out of North Carolina State was solid but not spectacular, although his pass-catching corps were beset by injuries all season. Of note, leading wideout T.Y. Hilton was slowed to 10 games, second-round rookie Parris Campbell only played in seven, and tight end Eric Ebron missed five.

If the Colts ultimately choose Rivers, then they would reunite him with Frank Reich, who is Indianapolis' current head coach and Rivers' old offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers in 2014 and 2015.

As for Tom Brady, signs don't point to him playing for his longtime rival, with a league source telling Holder that a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network saying the Colts met with Brady's team at the NFL Scouting Combine was "made up."

Action in this year's free-agency period will begin shortly with the new league year set to begin Wednesday, March 18 at 4 p.m. ET.