As Philip Rivers enters a free-agent market loaded with NFL contenders interested in signing him, the Indianapolis Colts are reportedly already emerging as the favorite to sign him.
According to NBC Sports’ Peter King, the Colts will meet with Rivers when the NFL’s tampering period opens and they are believed to be the leader to sign him.
The situation in Indianapolis is perfect for Rivers. He is familiar with head coach Frank Reich, who served as Rivers’ quarterbacks coach in 2014 and the Chargers’ offensive coordinator from 2014-’15, and Colts’ assistant coach Nick Sirianni.
Both coaches have experience with Rivers and can not only sell him on joining the Colts, but are very familiar with how he operates and what he brings to a team.
Landing with the Colts would also allow Rivers to play behind arguably the best offensive line he’d ever have in his NFL career. The 38-year-old struggled with pressure this past season and playing behind the Chargers’ porous offensive line played a role in his 20 interceptions.
There seems to be a growing sense that Rivers winds up in Indianapolis, a feeling shared by at least one former teammate. While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and even the Carolina Panthers could make a push for Rivers, the Colts now seem like his eventual landing spot.