Philip Rivers announced his retirement from professional football on Wednesday. The veteran NFL quarterback joined the San Diego Chargers in 2003, but waited until 2 years to make his league debut.

He spent 17 years with the Chargers before moving to Indianapolis Colts for the ongoing season. He led them to the Wild Card Playoffs wherein the Colts were knocked out by the Josh Allen-led Buffalo Bills a couple of weeks ago.

Here is a list of present NFL quarterbacks and rookies who can come in and replace Rivers ahead of the 2021 NFL season.

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5 potential quarterbacks to replace Philip Rivers in Indianapolis

Matthew Stafford

The front-runner and the most-linked name to fill in for Mr. Rivers in Indianapolis is that of Detroit Lions quarterback, Matthew Stafford.

The experienced NFL shot-caller was once again the shining light for the Lions as they finished the season with a 5-11 record. He threw for 4,000+ yards with 26 passing TDs against 10 interceptions.

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After 11 years in Detroit, Stafford will be hoping to have a change in scenery as he enters the latter half of his NFL career. A move to the Colts and a possible link-up with coach Frank Reich might be a suitable solution to both interested parties.

Of course, newly-appointed Lions coach Dan Campbell won’t let him depart easily.

Carson Wentz

The 2020 NFL season ended on a dismal note for Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles. Rookie QB Jalen Hurts was brought in during the final 3 games of the regular season.

He did show some flashes of brilliance but could not prevent coach Doug Pederson from getting the sack earlier this month.

Reports are linking Colts OC Nick Sirianni to the vacant Eagles HC job. But what does that mean for Carson Wentz’s future in Philly?

He is on a big-money contract at the moment, and it would take one hell of an offer to prize him away. But knowing coach Reich’s relationship with Wentz, a potential trade deal is not totally off the cards. Watch this space for more.

Sam Darnold

The New York Jets moved quickly to replace the sacked Adam Gase by appointing San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator, Robert Saleh, as their new Head Coach this month.

The Jets retain the #2 pick at this year’s NFL Draft. With Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields both up for grabs, Sam Darnold might be facing an exit from New York in the coming months.

The 23-year-old former University of Southern California man could be tempted to make a move to Indianapolis in order to reignite his NFL career.

Darnold has shown flashes of his talent in the last 3 years. Maybe a change of scenery could help him reach his full potential.

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Mac Jones

Alabama Crimson Tide starting QB Mac Jones had a terrific season. He finished with a National Championship ring and was a Heisman Trophy finalist as well.

He will closely be looked at during this year’s draft event and could be a potential option for the Colts as well. They will definitely need to trade up from their #21 pick in order to bring in Mac Jones, but he might just be available for grabs.

Trey Lance

NDSU’s Trey Lance has gone under the radar for much of the college football season. The 20-year-old is also being strongly linked with Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers.

Lance won the 2019 Jerry Rice award and the Walter Payton award after an outstanding individual season with the Bison.

He threw for 2,786 with 28 passing TDs. He rushed for 1,100 yards and had 14 rushing touchdowns as well. Despite skipping the 2020 season, Lance remains a man in demand, and at the tender age of 20, he could be the perfect player to guide the Colts into a new era.

Notable mentions: (Dak Prescott, Matt Ryan, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kyle Trask)

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