The Indianapolis Colts announced Friday that the team has signed backup quarterback Scott Tolzien to a 2-year contract:
Welcome to #ColtsNation, Scott Tolzien!
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) March 11, 2016
DETAILS: https://t.co/kwtBtbFF2W pic.twitter.com/pIkCeNIwwe
Original signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin in 2011, Tolzien has also spent time with the San Francisco 49ers and most recently, the Green Bay Packers organizations.
Last season, Tolzien appeared in 3 games for the Packers, attempting and completing just one pass for 4 passing yards.
His biggest sample size actually came in 2013, where he started 3 games for the Packers–completing 55 of 90 passes (61.1%) for 717 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 5 interceptions, and a passer rating of 66.8.
With the Colts parting ways with Matt Hasselbeck earlier this offseason, the team was in the market for a veteran backup quarterback behind Andrew Luck. The 28 year old Tolzien can become that, but admittedly, doesn’t have much game action to go off of.
He has been Packers superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers backup for the past 3 seasons, so there’s something to be said for that. It’s possible he could bring some of that experience to become a veteran soundboard for Luck.
Right now, the Colts have just Tolzien and young quarterback Stephen Morris at quarterback for next season.
It’s highly possible that the team could still consider another young quarterback in the later rounds of the NFL Draft or even as an undrafted free agent.
Still, it appears as though Tolzien was brought in with the full intention to become the primary veteran backup to Luck.