Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is retiring from the NFL at age 29, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft has missed 26 games in his career, including the entire 2017 season, due to shoulder, kidney and rib injuries. Luck returned last season and threw for 4,593 yards with 39 touchdowns while winning NFL Comeback Player of the Year, but he has been dealing with an ankle injury for the last month.
How does Luck's retirement affect the AFC South? And what should we expect from his replacement, former Patriots third-round pick Jacoby Brissett? We asked our panel of NFL insiders to weigh in:
In mid-July, we put the Colts No. 1 in our Future Power Rankings. If we re-ranked now, where would you put them?
Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: Without Luck, we have to drop down the Colts as a mid-tier team. I still like the young core of talent that general manager Chris Ballard has put together in Indianapolis. Just look at the past two drafts, led by Darius Leonard and Quenton Nelson. Ballard has a team of productive players with high-end athletic traits who fit the Colts' scheme. But having an elite quarterback is a big part of this ranking, and we don't yet know Brissett's ceiling.
Mike Clay, NFL writer: I'd drop them just outside the top 10. Ballard is doing an excellent job, and I have no doubt he'll get this franchise back near the top of the league, but losing a franchise quarterback is devastating for any team. The Colts still have a very good offensive line and solid defense, so I expect them to be better this season than they were in 2017, but they won't be a legitimate Super Bowl contender until they find their next star quarterback.
Dan Graziano, national NFL writer: It's too significant a blow to keep them in the top tier. You trust Ballard and coach Frank Reich and what they're doing to assemble and develop the rest of the roster, but no one has seen enough out of Brissett to trust him as a starting quarterback on a contending team. Drop them to around No. 15 or so and see whether they're in the QB market next spring.
Kevin Seifert, national NFL writer: No. 16, with a chance into the top 10 if Brissett can continue his development. The Colts have a really good roster, with difference-makers on both sides of the ball, and their offensive line is especially well-positioned to support the team. And don't forget that Ballard has proved adept at dealing with unexpected turns of events.
Field Yates, NFL analyst: Closer to the middle of the pack. Not only is there a more thorough evaluation needed in regard to Brissett, but he's due to be a free agent after this season. That being said, it's a top front office, outstanding coaching staff and rock-solid roster in many spots.