Rivers hoped to land with Colts, could play beyond 2020

When the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers chapter of his career ended, quarterback Philip Rivers hoped the next stage would take place with the Indianapolis Colts.

Being familiar with Colts head coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni was part of what drew him to Indianapolis. Both served on the Chargers' coaching staff before joining the Colts.

"For the most part, it'll be almost the same system," Rivers said to the media, including Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan, after the Colts made the signing official on Saturday.

Rivers signed a one-year deal with Indianapolis. At 38 years old, the 17-year pro said he's taking things on a year-to-year basis. But he hasn't ruled out playing beyond 2020.

"If I feel good, I'll keep going," Rivers said, according Zak Keefer of The Athletic.

"You won't see me in the Tom Brady range," he added, referring to the 42-year-old quarterback.

Rivers said this offseason was the first time he's talked to his family about the possibility of retiring. His completion percentage dropped slightly last season from his 2018 campaign when he led the Chargers into the playoffs. Rivers also threw 23 touchdown passes against 20 interceptions after tossing for 32 TDs and 12 picks the previous season.

"But we settled on I still love to play. I still know I can play at a high level. Did it in spurts last year. Just didn't do it consistently enough," he said, according to ESPN's Mike Wells.