Irsay: Colts wouldn't accept 1st-round pick for Jacoby Brissett

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay gave a strong endorsement of backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, even though franchise pivot Andrew Luck seems to be on track for a return to the starting role.

The Colts acquired Brissett from the New England Patriots in early September of last year, sending wide receiver Phillip Dorsett the other way. Brissett started 15 games in 2018 when Luck sat out the entire season due to a shoulder injury.

Dorsett was the Colts' 29th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Irsay says Brissett's acquisition cost has likely gone up if another team comes calling for his services.

"All of a sudden, we have the best backup quarterback in football," Irsay said, according to Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star. "I don’t think we’d accept a (first-round pick in a trade) for him, we think he’s that good."

Brissett was selected 91st overall by the Patriots in the 2016 draft, starting two games as a rookie. He completed 61.8 percent of his passes that season with no touchdowns or interceptions.

The 24-year-old appeared in all 16 games for the Colts last season, replacing Scott Tolzien as the starter following Week 1. He led the team to a 4-11 record while completing 58.8 percent of 469 pass attempts for 3,098 yards, recording 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 260 yards and an additional four scores.

Brissett is the Colts' insurance policy behind Luck for the 2018 season. He has two years left on his rookie contract and will carry a cap hit of just $760,076 for the upcoming campaign, according to Over The Cap.