INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have made quite the splash to find their answer at the quarterback position.
The team today announced it has signed veteran free agent Philip Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection who currently sits sixth in NFL history in both career passing yards (59,271) and touchdowns (397). Terms of the deal weren't immediately released.
"Philip is one of the most decorated quarterbacks in the NFL and we are fortunate to add an experienced player of his caliber to our organization," Colts general manager Chris Ballard said. "His familiarity with our coaching staff and offensive system in addition to his experience were attractive qualities during our evaluation process. Philip is a fierce competitor and his veteran leadership will be crucial in the continued development of our young roster."
Rivers, 38, has been one of the top playmakers at the quarterback position in the league since he was selected fourth-overall by the New York Giants in the 2004 NFL Draft; Rivers was then traded to the San Diego Chargers in exchange for that year's No. 1-overall pick, quarterback Eli Manning.
Since that time, Rivers has gone on to become the most prolific passer in Chargers franchise history. He completed 4,908-of-7,591 passes (64.7 percent) for 59,271 yards and 397 touchdowns in his 16 seasons with the team — all franchise records.
A Walter Payton Man of the Year finalist in 2011, Rivers concludes his Chargers tenure with more than 30 total franchise records to his name, including completion percentage (64.7), passing touchdown percentage (5.2), interception percentage (2.6), yards per passing attempt (7.8) and quarterback rating (95.1).
In NFL history, Rivers ranks in the top 10 in several categories, including attempts (seventh), completions (sixth), completion percentage (ninth), passing yards (sixth), passing touchdowns (sixth), passer rating (10th), first down completions (fifth – 2,913), completions of 25 yards or more (fifth – 455) and 300-yard passing games (fourth – 70). Additionally, his 123 career regular season victories as a starter rank ninth in league history.
Rivers takes over as the Colts' signal caller after an offseason full of evaluations by general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Frank Reich.
While Jacoby Brissett performed admirably in the face of great adversity after the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck just before the start of the 2019 regular season, both Ballard and Reich said they were going to consider all options at the quarterback position this offseason, both in free agency and the draft.
The team knew Rivers was going to be one of many quarterbacks available in what has amounted to an unprecedented free agency period to start the new league year; already names like Tom Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Teddy Bridgewater (Carolina Panthers), Nick Foles (Chicago Bears), and Marcus Mariota (Las Vegas Raiders) have joined, or are expected to join, new teams, either via free agency or trades. Jameis Winston, meanwhile, remains unsigned, while Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints) and Ryan Tannehill (Tennessee Titans) signed deals with their previous clubs, and the Carolina Panthers have announced that they have given Cam Newton permission to seek a trade.
In the end, however, the Colts just couldn't pass up on Rivers' familiarity with Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni.
The three worked together for three seasons with the Chargers from 2013-15 when Reich was quarterbacks coach, and then offensive coordinator, while Sirianni was an offensive quality control coach before being promoted to quarterbacks coach.
Rivers had one of his best-overall seasons as a pro in 2013, throwing for 4,478 yards and 32 touchdowns; he led the NFL in completion percentage (69.5) and was fifth in yards per pass attempt (8.2) and fourth in passer rating (105.5) and was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year.
In total in Rivers' three seasons under Reich and Sirianni with the Chargers, he ranked, on average, second in the NFL in completion percentage, fifth in passing yards, fifth in touchdown passes, sixth in passer rating, seventh in fewest interceptions and ninth in yards per pass attempt.
Rivers clearly made an impression on the future Colts head coach and offensive coordinator.
"Philip is an elite quarterback in this league. He has proven that year in and year out. He is a tough competitor," Reich said Sept. 4 as the Colts were preparing to open up the 2019 season against Rivers and the Chargers. "He is everything you want in a quarterback. He is elite – elite accuracy, elite toughness, playmaking (and) a really good challenge for our defense."
Said Sirianni: "The great quarterbacks of the league all have two things: they have timing and accuracy. I think that's what all of them have. The arm strength varies, the motion varies, all those things vary. But the timing and the accuracy and the vision of the field to be able to see the whole field and make plays that way. Every one of the top-five quarterbacks, top-eight quarterbacks have those traits and that's what he has."
Reich and Sirianni are also very well aware of Rivers' trademark toughness. He has started 224 consecutive regular season games, which is the longest active streak in the NFL and the third longest since 1970.
See the best images of quarterback Philip Rivers following his signing with the Indianapolis Colts.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, left, greets Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Carson, Calif. The Chargers defeated the Colts 30-24 in overtime. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) calls a play in the offensive huddle during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 in Carson, Calif. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 24-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2019, file photo Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers stands for the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo. Rivers' career with the Los Angeles Chargers has come to an end. The franchise announced Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, that Rivers will enter free agency and not return for the upcoming season. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) calls out to his team during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers smiles at a news conference following an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. The Kansas City Chiefs won 31-21. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) calls a play from the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Chargers won 45-10.(Perry Knotts via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) talk after their NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 31-21. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) stands on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Chargers won 45-10.(Perry Knotts via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game Oakland Raiders Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Carson, Calif. The Raiders won 24-17. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) warms up during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday Dec. 22, 2019 in Carson, Calif. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 24-17. (Greg Trott via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Carson, Calif. The Vikings defeated the Chargers 39-10. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers warms up before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers speaks after an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers looks on during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes the ball during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Chargers defeated the Jaguars 45-10. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, right, greets Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins after an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks on from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Chargers defeated the Jaguars 45-10. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers answers a question from a reporter during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) greet after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Carson, Calif. The Chargers defeated the Packers, 26-11. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) calls out instructions at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Nov. 18, 2019 in Mexico City. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks on during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 in Jacksonville, Fla. The Chargers defeated the Jaguars 45-10. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, left, talks with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes before an NFL football game Monday, Nov. 18, 2019, in Mexico City. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers drops back to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers leaves the field after their loss against the against the Denver Broncos in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers speaks at a news conference after an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Chicago. The Chargers won 17-16. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, center, throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers walks on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Chargers, 23-20. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is pressured by Tennessee Titans linebacker Reggie Gilbert (93) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Chargers, 23-20. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks on from the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Chargers, 23-20. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Carson, Calif. The Steelers defeated the Chargers 24-17. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers answers questions after an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Carson, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Chargers, 23-20. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks on from the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Chargers, 23-20. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, left, and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers shake hands after an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019 in Carson, Calif. Pittsburgh won 24-17. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes against the Tennessee Titans in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, left, passes to running back Austin Ekeler during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) scrambles for a gain of one yard to the Houston Texans 29 yard line with 46 seconds left in the fourth quarter during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 in Carson, Calif. The Texans defeated the Chargers 27-20. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
