Colts GM Won't 'Force' a QB in 2020 NFL Draft After Philip Rivers' Contract

Despite having Philip Rivers signed for only one year, the Indianapolis Colts won't necessarily target a quarterback in next week's NFL draft. 

Speaking to reporters about the event, Colts general manager Chris Ballard explained why he's "not gonna force" taking a quarterback:

"I think history's shown that. It's gotta be the right guy, the right fit for us, and for our staff and for our organization. So I don't know when it's gonna happen: maybe this year, maybe next year, maybe two years from now. I don't know. And I'm not gonna force it—much to everybody's dismay, and it might drive everybody nuts, but I'm not gonna force that issue. When we decide to take one up that we think's going to be the future guy of this franchise, you gotta be right."

The Colts gave Rivers a one-year deal worth $25 million last month to become their starting quarterback. 

The one-year contract brings up the question of how long Rivers will continue to play. The eight-time Pro Bowler is 38 years old and said at his introductory press conference with the Colts that he's operating on a year-by-year basis. 

"I take it one year at a time," he said. "If I feel good, I'll keep going. I don't want to get carried away. You won't see me in the Tom Brady [age] range. I still feel like I can help a football team go win a championship."

Ballard's moves this offseason suggest he's going all-in to get the Colts back to the postseason in 2020. The team traded its first-round pick (No. 13 overall) to the San Francisco 49ers for defensive lineman DeForest Buckner. 

Indianapolis still has seven draft picks, including two in the second round at Nos. 34 and 44 overall. 

If there happens to be a quarterback available for the Colts, Ballard can go in that direction. But having Rivers as the starter with Jacoby Brissett as the backup affords the team the opportunity to address other positions.