Colts Re-Sign Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck

The Indianapolis Colts have announced their first re-signing of the free agency season, and it might be a surprise to some: the team announced tonight that they have agreed to a contract extension with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck on a one-year deal.

Over the last two seasons, Hasselbeck has appeared only in relief duty in a mop-up role for Andrew Luck, but he has done well, completing 37 of 56 passes (66.1%) for 431 yards, two touchdowns and an interception for a passer rating of 93.7.  In his 16-year career, Hasselbeck has completed 60.4% of his passes for 34,948 yards, 203 touchdowns and 148 interceptions for a passer rating of 82.3.  He has made three Pro Bowls and he led the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl in 2005.

With the Colts, his role is completely as a backup to Andrew Luck, and it's a role that he has embraced in the past two seasons.  He has really helped with Luck's acclimation to the league and has provided a sounding board for the young quarterback.  Hasselbeck is Luck's closest friend on the team and a great resource not only for the star quarterback but also for the rest of the offense.  He made it very clear that he wasn't going to retire this year, and the veteran has opted to return to the Colts to back up one of the game's best quarterbacks.  Hasselbeck is one of the game's best backup quarterbacks and will certainly be welcome back in Indianapolis for a third season.

Details of the contract were not immediately known.

UPDATE (8:05 p.m.): According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Hasselbeck's one-year deal with the Colts is for $3 million.

The #Colts reached a one-year contract extension with QB Matt @Hasselbeck, the team announced. Source says its for $3M.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 27, 2015