Indianapolis Colts sign Philip Rivers to massive one year deal

Philip Rivers (Google Images)

The Indianapolis Colts have agreed to sign quarterback Philip Rivers of Decatur, Alabama to a one year contract worth a whopping $25 million. Rivers had spent his entire 16 year National Football League career with the Chargers organization (13 seasons with San Diego and three seasons with Los Angeles).

Last season in Los Angeles, Rivers completed 390 passes in 591 attempts for 4615 yards, 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. He also had 12 rushes for 29 yards.

Even though Rivers has not yet won a Super Bowl or even been to a Super Bowl, he has put together a fine NFL career. Eight times Rivers has been selected to the Pro Bowl (2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2018).

In 2008, Rivers led the NFL with 34 touchdown passes and in 2010, he led the NFL with 4710 passing yards. In 2015, Rivers also was the NFL leader in completions with 437. Interestingly, when Rivers was the NFL leader in touchdown passes in 2008 and passes completed in 2015, he was not selected to the Pro Bowl on either occasion.

In Rivers, the Colts are getting durability. Remarkably he has completed every game for the Chargers organization since 2006.

Originally selected in the first round, fourth overall, by the New York Giants in the 2004 NFL Draft, Rivers was soon traded to the Chargers for Eli Manning, the Giants’ third round draft pick in the 2004 NFL Draft and the first and fifth round draft picks in the 2005 NFL Draft. The Chargers first round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft turned out to be Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman.

The fact that Rivers has gone to Indianapolis is rather interesting. That is because he is now reunited with Colts head coach Frank Reich. In 2013, Reich was the Chargers quarterback coach, and in 2014 and 2015, he was the Chargers offensive co-ordinator.