AFC South Notes: Colts, Texans, Titans

Colts

As the Colts have rebuilt under GM Chris Ballard, they’ve put an emphasis on measured and disciplined team-building, not band-aid solutions. At first glance, signing 38-year-old QB Philip Rivers looks more like a temporary solution at quarterback. But Colts owner Jim Irsay said the recent history of quarterback longevity was a factor in their decision. 

“I tell ya, I believe Philip is a young 38,” Irsay said via Andrew Walker of the team’s official website. “We see guys like Drew Brees now, and Tom Brady, playing and doing great things after 40. It won’t even be until 2021 (in) December when Philip gets 40. So I think he is a guy with elite leadership, a great release, and what makes it so good is I feel we have the best offensive line in football, and that’s the thing that takes a long time to build.”

• Despite finishing 7-9 in 2019, the Athletic’s Zak Keefer said the Colts’ decision-makers watched the AFC Championship game between the Chiefs and Titans — both who the Colts had beaten earlier in the season — and thought they weren’t that far off, which was borne out in their moves to sign Rivers and trade a first-round pick for DL DeForest Buckner.
• Keefer adds the Colts have every intention of keeping QB Jacoby Brissett in 2020, which is the last year of his deal, even if it’s just as a backup to Rivers.
• Colts OT Le’Raven Clark‘s one-year, $1.2 million deal includes $300,000 guaranteed. (Aaron Wilson) 

Texans

• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes there are some rumors that negotiations between the Texans and LT Laremy Tunsil haven’t gone well, prompting HC Bill O’Brien to inquire with the Redskins about LT Trent Williams. 

Titans

• ESPN’s Turron Davenport writes the Titans still need a pass rusher, with DE Jadeveon Clowney and LB Markus Golden two strong options still available. 
• Davenport doesn’t rule out the Titans being able to re-sign CB Logan Ryan.