Indianapolis Colts Finally Make a Smart Move by Securing Matt Hasselbeck

Nice work, Ryan Grigson.

The Indianapolis Colts general manager hasn't been shy about spending money in free agency, and some of the decisions he has made and money he has shelled out to players like Erik Walden, Ricky Jean-Francois and LaRon Landry have been the subject of criticism. 

Well, on March 19, Grigson made a move that shouldn't be ridiculed by anyone.

He acquired (per ESPN.com) recently released quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who'll be 38 in September—the ideal mentor and backup option to transcendent starter Andrew Luck. 

Hasselbeck went 9-7 in 2011 as the starter in Tennessee and was 2-3 in 2012. 

With a West Coast offense being implemented under new offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, Hasselbeck makes perfect sense. 

Grigson needed a solid free-agent signing.

He gave Walden, the player who was graded by ProFootballFocus.com (subscription required) as the worst 3-4 outside linebacker in consecutive seasons, $8 million guaranteed dollars. 

Also, Ricky Jean-Francois, a young and potentially productive player who has never played more than 190 snaps in an entire regular season, was handed a four-year, $22 million deal with $5.5 million guaranteed. 

LaRon Landry made the Pro Bowl in 2012, but frankly, he wasn't spectacular. 

Quarterbacks averaged a QB rating of 97.5 when throwing in his direction. 

Hasselbeck was signed to a two-year, $8 million deal, which features a $5 million base salary in 2013 and $3 million base salary—far from an overpayment. 

His vast quarterbacking knowledge will likely help Luck in what will be crucial development years in his NFL career. 

If there are any injury issues, Hasselbeck can undoubtedly start in a pinch and win a game or two for Indianapolis. 

Grigson is the reigning NFL Executive of the Year and his free-agent haul filled with question marks and unproven players may ultimately be a good one. 

But with Hasselbeck, the Colts added an established veteran at the game's most vital position—at a reasonable price—who'll positively impact Andrew Luck.

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