AFC South Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

New Colts QB Philip Rivers said he was hoping to sign with Indianapolis when becoming an unrestricted free agent. 

“I really, truthfully, was hoping it was going to be the Indianapolis Colts,” said Rivers, via George Bremer. 

Rivers says the Colts’ offensive system is “almost the same” as the Chargers. 

“For the most part, it’ll be almost the same system,” said Rivers, via Kevin Bowen. 

Rivers added that he discussed possibly retiring with his family but felt that he was still capable of playing at a high level. 

“I think really where we settled in is I still love to play, certainly not coming off my best year [in 2019], but I know I still can play at a high level,” Rivers said, via Mike Wells of ESPN. “… It was one of those deals where we said if there’s nothing else out there then that’ll be our answer. I don’t want to just try to hang on to play.”

Rivers reiterated that the Colts offering him a contract reaffirmed his desire to continue playing. 

“The fact it ended up being with this organization, it made it that much more exciting to keep going,” said Rivers. 

• Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that the Colts have “full intentions” to keep QB Jacoby Brissett for next season given $7 million of his contract becomes guaranteed on Sunday.
• Fowler notes that Indianapolis considers Brissett a “special” player and wants him to continue competing for a role. 

Texans

• Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports that the Texans are keeping an eye on the swing tackle market with some budget limitations. 
• Texans CB Phillip Gaines‘ one-year, $1.047 million deal includes a $137,500 signing bonus, $910,000 base salary, bonus and an injury waiver. He counts $887,500 against the cap. (Wilson)
• Wilson adds Gaines’ contract also includes a veteran salary benefit. 

Titans

• Regarding the Titans’ decision to trade veteran DL Jurrell Casey to the Broncos for a seventh-round pick, Jim Wyatt of the team’s official site notes that they likely made the move because he was set to count $13.9 million against the cap over the next two years and had a dip in production after missing time due to injury. 
• As for Titans’ franchised RB Derrick Henry, Wyatt writes that Tennessee hopes to negotiate a new deal for Henry before the July 15 deadline. Wyatt says that while there is “no doubt” Henry has earned a long-term deal, it’s unclear if the two sides have made any progress with negotiations. 
• Although Wyatt expects Titans OT Dennis Kelly to replace RT Jack Conklin, he believes Tennessee will add more offensive tackle help in free agency or the draft.