In a surprising move, the Indianapolis Colts announced Monday that the team has released quarterback Josh Freeman.
It’s a bit of a perplexing move to say the least, as the Colts had recently moved on from veteran backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck with the widespread assumption that the team planned to proceed with Freeman as Andrew Luck‘s primary backup next season.
Originally a 2009 first round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Freeman resurrected his NFL career late last season with the Colts. Specifically, he was signed just days before the team’s regular season finale against the Tennessee Titans and even received the start.
In that 30-24 Colts win, Freeman completed 15 of 28 passes (53.6%), 149 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and an interception, as well as a passer rating of 65.9.
However, either the Colts are more comfortable with other quarterback alternatives going forward, or there was something going on behind the scenes with Freeman that the team simply did not like.
Along with the Luck, the Colts have just Stephen Morris currently under contract at quarterback for next season. The team will likely look to either the draft or free agency to find more competition for the position.