Should the Colts Look to Trade for a New Quarterback?

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Philip Rivers has not looked great. The soon to be 39-year-old quarterback has shown his age this season, committing egregious errors a veteran player should not make. In the loss to the Cleveland Browns, his mistakes cost the Colts the game. 

Rivers threw two inexcusable interceptions and was sacked for a safety by Cleveland’s defense, which effectively ended the game. One of the interceptions was returned for a touchdown. Him staring down the receiver allowed for the defender to undercut the route and return it for a touchdown. 

Rivers play over the first four games have been mixed to put it simply. He has thrown four touchdown passes, while throwing five interceptions. The offense with him at the helm has been stagnant as they have struggled throwing the football. 

His disappointing play has caused some fans to call for a change at quarterback. Some feel that his $25 million contract he signed this offseason has been a waste of money. The contract is for one season but with a price tag that big most fans want the player to perform at a high level. 

With questions swirling around the quarterback position, it has led pundits to pose possible targets to replace Rivers. An interesting proposal made by Mike Greenberg on his sports show “Get Up” has started some buzz around the topic. In a segment, he said that the Colts should trade for Atlanta Falcons quarterback, Matt Ryan. 

“If Matt Ryan was on the Indianapolis Colts by the end of this season, they’d be a Super Bowl team,” Greenburg said. “They’re missing one piece, and that one piece is the quarterback of the Falcons right now.” 

Marcus Spears, a former NFL player and co-contributor of the show agreed with Greenberg’s opinion noting that “it was logical.” 

“If you tell me Matt Ryan is not going to turn the football over, send him to Indianapolis and that is a better football team,” Spears said.

It would make sense to target Ryan as the Falcons recently fired Head Coach Dan Quinn, and General Manager Thomas Dimitroff, which is a signal for a rebuild. Ryan is currently 35 and does not have many years left, so trading for him now would give the Colts a great opportunity to push for a Super Bowl. The Colts have one of the best offensive lines in the league, solid receivers and a good group of running backs, led by 21-year-old rookie Jonathan Taylor. They also have the (insert rating) defense in the league, headlined by star linebacker Darius Leonard and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. 

Matt Ryan would provide a steady, reliable hand at quarterback. He has thrown for over 4,000 passing yards in nine consecutive years, owns the 2016  MVP award, and has a Super Bowl appearance on his resume. With the Falcons seemingly in rebuild mode, it would be a bold move, but one that is worth the risk. 

Matt Ryan isn’t the only possible target the Colts could look at. Sam Darnold is another possible candidate. It was reported by (insert source) that the New York Jets could look to move him this offseason in favor of replacing him in the draft. The Jets have done nothing to build around the USC alum, but judging from his play,  there’s still potential  that could be harnessed if he is put in the correct situation.

Another New York quarterback that could be an option is Daniel Jones of the New York Giants. He is in a similar situation as Darnold, even though this is only his second season. What puts Jones in uncertainty is the fact that he has fumbled 22 times in only 18 career games. 

Jones shows flashes of potential but he is more of a project. In a more stable organization he could blossom into a great player.

Dwayne Haskins of the Washington Football Team has been rumoured to possibly be moved as the coach and general manager who drafted him have since been fired. Recently he has been replaced as the starting quarterback and put at the third string. 

Another possible option includes Dak Prescott. He recently suffered a compound fracture and dislocated ankle, so it’s uncertain when he will return to the field. NFL writers have stated that the Colts, along with the Bears, would be the best fit for him, so it’s something to keep an eye on.

Those are a few possible options that the Colts could inquire about. If the Colts want to win now, then Ryan would be the best option. If they want to acquire a young quarterback to build around and be the starter for the next decade, then the 23-year-old Darnold has the most upside.

The Colts are at a crossroads. They could allow Rivers to continue to start or alternatively play Jacoby Brisett, or even trade for a new quarterback. With the conservative nature of Chris Ballard, it seems unlikely that he trades for a new quarterback during the season, so they will most likely stick with the in house quarterbacks. 

With all the options on the table it should make for an interesting rest of the season. The Colts have an opportunity to push for the playoffs, but need Rivers to step up his game and not make erratic, arrant passes that could cost the Colts in the future. It is still early in the season and Rivers could turn it around, but thinking about the future should still be a focus throughout the rest of the season. 

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