Rivers to join the Colts

Former Chargers quarterback is joining the Colts for one year and $25 million.

Quarterback is headed for Indianapolis after 16 seasons with the Chargers.

Philip Rivers will continue his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts.

In a move that had been anticipated for weeks, the former Charger agreed Tuesday to a one-year, $25million contract, according to a person not authorized to speak publicly about the negotiation.

Rivers reunites with Colts coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni, both of whom used to coach with the Chargers.

The quarterback will replace Jacoby Brissett, who took over as the starter in Indianapolis last season after the unexpected retirement for Andrew Luck. Brissett struggled as the Colts, after a 5-2 start, lost seven of their final nine games.

Rivers, 38, spent 16 seasons with the Chargers and made 235 consecutive starts.

The team announced in February that the sides were parting ways, ending a relationship that began April 24, 2004, when the Chargers acquired Rivers from the New York Giants in a draft-day deal that included Eli Manning.

Owner Dean Spanos called Rivers “the heart and soul of our organization” in a statement. He also praised the veteran quarterback for his ability to connect with fans.

“There’s only one Philip Rivers, and we’ve been fortunate to call him our QB1 for the better part of two decades,” Spanos said. “We cannot thank Philip enough for giving it his all on every single down and for the memories he created that will last a lifetime.”

Rivers was the backup to Drew Brees during his first two seasons. After Brees left for New Orleans via free agency in March 2006, Rivers took over as the starter.

He held the job for all of the Chargers’ 224 regularseason and 11 playoff games since and is the franchise leader in more than 30 categories, including yards passing and touchdowns.

“I never took for granted the opportunity to lead this team out on to the field for 235 games,” Rivers said after his time with the Chargers ended. “We had a lot of great moments, beginning in San Diego and then finishing in L.A. I wish my teammates and coaches nothing but the best moving forward.”