With Philip Rivers Retiring, Who Could Be the Starting QB for Indianapolis Colts in 2021?

After a career spanning 17 seasons, Philip Rivers has finally called it a day. The legendary quarterback, known for his rocket arm and never-give-up attitude, enjoyed a relatively solid 2020 season with the Indianapolis Colts.

But in the end, the quarterback decided that at the age of 39, it was time for him to hang his helmet up for good. His decision, however, means that the Colts are back in the market for a starting QB yet again.

While QB Andrew Luck was the man to guide them to Super Bowl success, his untimely retirement in 2019 left the franchise in the hunt for a capable starter. Jacoby Brissett was handed over the reins for the season, but he failed to live up to expectations.

With Rivers being brought in for 2020, his cameo was short, yet entertaining. But for the Colts, the quarterback carousel continues.

Heading into 2021, we believe that these players could be viable options for the franchise desperately looking for someone to nail down the starting role.

Sam Darnold- New York Jets (Trade)

The New York Jets are looking at a rebuild. With a new Head Coach and GM, the side is keen on having a massive overhaul to turn their fortunes around. And many believe that Jets starting QB Sam Darnold could be one of many players who could be shown the door.

Darnold is a solid QB. He’s mobile, and he’s shown that he can make big plays when needed. But without a solid staff and competent players to back him up, he struggled in 2020.

The Jets have the 2nd overall pick heading into the 2021 NFL Draft. A pick that they can use to land Ohio QB Justin Fields. And if that indeed is the case, then it’ll signal the end for Darnold at New York.

The Colts could benefit from this scenario. Trading a pick or 2 for Darnold might not be a bad option. At Indi, he will get a solid staff to work with. And his style of play could greatly benefit the Colts.

With a year left on his rookie contract, trading for Darnold wouldn’t have an adverse effect on their cap space either. Yet another reason to bring in the QB.

Trey Lance- North Dakota State Bison (Draft)

With the 21st overall pick in the 1st round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts could very well go down the route of getting a new quarterback.

While the Top-3 QB prospects of the draft are likely to be wrapped up before the Colts get on the board, they could still draft North Dakota QB Trey Lance.

An athletic quarterback, with an accurate deep ball, the QB isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. Perhaps one feature of Lance’s gameplay that helps him stand out from the rest is his ability to protect the ball pressure.

Not afraid to take on the defense with his feet either, with the right support and guidance, Lance could develop into an NFL regular sooner rather than later.

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Jacob Eason- Indianapolis Colts (Promote)

When the Indianapolis Colts drafted QB Jacob Eason during the 4th Round of the 2020 NFL Draft, there weren’t many expectations of him getting a peep at the starting role.

But a year in, and with the Rivers retiring and backup Jacoby Brissett becoming a free agent, the Colts have a decision to make regarding Eason.

Due to COVID-19, the QB was unable to get a pre-season under his belt like many other rookies in the league this season. But now Eason has spent a year on the sidelines, learning from one of the best in the game, Philip Rivers.

Whether what he’s picked up from the legendary QB will actually prove to be useful, remains to be seen, but this offseason would be the perfect platform for him to stake a claim on the starting QB role for 2021.

With many other names like Carson Wentz, Matthew Stafford, and Cam Newton doing the rounds, whom do you think would be called upon to represent the Colts in 2021?

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