The Indianapolis Colts reportedly checked in with a different veteran quarterback before signing Philip Rivers on Tuesday.
According to OutKick’s Armando Salguero, the Colts called Derek Carr prior to adding Rivers. Indianapolis brought in Rivers because the team felt that his ceiling might be “higher” than younger options such as Riley Leonard and Brett Rypien.
The Colts will be looking for stability under center to close out the year following Daniel Jones’ season-ending torn Achilles.
Carr started 10 games for the Saints during the 2025 season while dealing with an oblique issue, finishing with a 5-5 record. He completed 67.7 percent of his throws for 2,145 yards and 15 touchdowns compared to five interceptions.
The four-time Pro Bowler’s season came to an end in Dec. 2024 due to a concussion as well as a hand injury.
Carr went on to announce his retirement in May following medical tests that determined multiple injuries to his right shoulder.
The Saints revealed that the signal-caller “sustained a labral tear and also had significant degenerative changes to his rotator cuff.” Surgery was an option, but there was no guarantee that Carr would return to the “level of strength, function and performance of play to which he was accustomed.”
Given his shoulder issues, it’s understandable that Carr and the Colts couldn’t reach an agreement.
Indianapolis will now hope that Rivers, who hasn’t started a game since the 2020 season, can help guide the team to the playoffs if elevated from the practice squad. The Colts currently hold the No. 8 spot in the AFC playoff picture with a record of 8-5.