The Indianapolis Colts have agreed to terms with backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to extend his contract for another season. This qualifies as one less thing that the Colts will have to worry about in the offseason.
The 39-year old Hasselbeck has been invaluable in the development of Andrew Luck and as a veteran advisor to the Colts offense.
According to Ian Rapoport, the deal is worth $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
Hasselbeck made $3.75 million in 2014. He appeared in just four games this season, all for mop up duty. Hasselbeck completed 30-of-44 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns.
Excited to be back with my @Colts teammates!
— Matt Hasselbeck (@Hasselbeck) February 27, 2015
The news likely assures that the Colts will once again have the second best QB in the AFC South. The rest of the division continues to refuse to get better at the most important position in the NFL.
Considering his age, Hasselbeck could have considered retirement but staying in the league for another season works out very well for both him and the team. He spoke with Stephen Holder of the IndyStar near the end of last season on this topic.
"“We haven’t talked about it or thought about it, really,” Hasselbeck said of retirement. “We would almost have to have the talk if I was considering being done. But I’m not really considering being done. We’ve talked about what if we weren’t in Indy next year. We really like Indy. It would be hard for our kids not to be Indy with sports and school. But they also know that’s the bad part about my job. That can happen.”"
"“I’ve actually talked to a few guys who are in similar situations, who have recently retired. Some of them got a chance to play and it was like, ‘I’m done. I can’t do it.’ They weren’t the same. Then I’ve talked to other guys who are in situations like mine, where they’re playing again, and it’s good to know you can still do it.”"
Considering his role primarily as an advisor, Hasselbeck doesn’t have to worry about being on the field for an entire game (provided Luck’s health holds up).
Some members of the team were quick to take to twitter with the news:
Great to hear colts resigned @Hasselbeck. Great player & class act! I learned more about the overall game this yr then any other bc of him!
— AQ Shipley (@aqshipley) February 27, 2015
@Hasselbeck @Colts glad u are back Mr.Hasselbeck
— TY Hilton (@TYHilton13) February 27, 2015
Welcome back @Hasselbeck aka "The Ageless Wonder"...Hasn't aged one bit!! lmao 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/nPHe0s0CBa
— Jerrell Freeman (@JerrellFreeman) February 27, 2015