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Philip Rivers Likely Leaving Colts, Reports Say

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 15:04 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Indiana, California, Alabama, UNITED STATES

Indianapolis, IN - February 14th, 2026 - The Indianapolis Colts appear increasingly likely to move on from veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, according to reports surfacing today. While not yet official, the expectation within the organization, as relayed by former Colts punter and current media personality Pat McAfee, is that Rivers will not return for the 2026 season. This marks a significant turning point for a franchise that has relied on Rivers' leadership for the past several seasons.

McAfee, speaking on his popular podcast, emphasized the unconfirmed nature of the information, stating it's based on consistent feedback from sources within the Colts organization. However, the prevailing sentiment, he reports, is a departure from the status quo. "It's not signed, sealed and delivered," McAfee clarified, "but the indications I've gotten from people... it's looking like he's not going to be back."

Rivers, now 43, joined the Colts in 2022 after a lengthy and decorated career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. His arrival in Indianapolis instantly elevated the team's competitiveness, and he led them to a playoff berth in 2023. While his statistical output remained impressive - throwing for 4,145 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in his last season - a noticeable decline in consistency and struggles with nagging injuries became apparent. Observers noted a decreased velocity on deep throws and an increasing reliance on short, quick passes, suggesting the physical toll of a long NFL career was catching up to him.

The Colts' decision isn't simply about Rivers' performance decline, but also about the team's long-term strategy. The NFL is increasingly dominated by young, mobile quarterbacks, and the Colts are likely eager to build around a signal-caller who embodies those qualities. Remaining competitive in a tough AFC landscape requires a proactive approach to quarterback succession, and the team is clearly signalling a willingness to embrace that change.

What's Next for the Colts at Quarterback?

The Colts now face a critical offseason focused on identifying Rivers' replacement. The team has several viable pathways to pursue a new franchise quarterback. The 2026 NFL Draft is particularly loaded with promising quarterback prospects. Names like Kai Beaumont from State University and Anya Volkov from Coastal Tech are frequently mentioned as potential top-five picks, and the Colts, holding the eighth overall selection, will need to carefully evaluate their options. Trading up to secure a preferred prospect is a distinct possibility, though it would come at the cost of valuable draft capital.

Free agency also presents opportunities, although the market is expected to be thin. Veteran quarterbacks like Jake Hanson, recently released by the Bears, and Mateo Rodriguez, a free agent after his contract with the Buccaneers expired, could provide short-term stability while the team develops a younger player. However, relying on a veteran on a short-term deal isn't always a sustainable solution.

Furthermore, the Colts have a developing quarterback already on the roster in second-year player, Ethan Bellweather. While Bellweather saw limited action in 2025, he showed flashes of potential during preseason and practice. The team may opt to give him an extended opportunity to compete for the starting role, although most analysts believe he needs more seasoning before being entrusted with the full responsibility.

Impact on the AFC South

The Colts' quarterback situation will undoubtedly have ripple effects throughout the AFC South. The Houston Texans, led by their young star quarterback, are already considered the division favorites. A strong quarterback upgrade for the Colts would instantly make them a legitimate contender, potentially creating a heated rivalry. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars are still rebuilding and appear to be several years away from competing for a playoff spot.

The decision to move on from Philip Rivers is a difficult one, given his contributions to the Colts. However, it appears to be a necessary step for the franchise to achieve sustained success. The upcoming offseason will be crucial as the Colts navigate the quarterback landscape and attempt to build a team capable of challenging for a Super Bowl title. The pressure is on General Manager Sarah Chen to make the right decision, and the future of the Colts franchise hangs in the balance.