Colts Name Ryan Grigson As General Manager

The changes continue inside the Indianapolis Colts' front office, as today the franchise hired Ryan Grigson as general manager.

“Ryan brings to the Colts an outstanding NFL personnel history and a record of achievement,” said Colts Owner & CEO Jim Irsay. “He is a bright and gifted administrator who is the right fit for our organization. He is the right person for the challenges of his new role, and I am confident he can help us continue the winning tradition we have enjoyed, and that our fans have appreciated through the years.”

Grigson comes to the Colts following a nine-year stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, most recently as the director of player personnel from 2010-11.

After initially working for the Rams, Grigson joined the Eagles as a regional scout.  Within two years, he was elevated to the team’s Director of College Scouting position.

Grigson developed an impressive track record with Philadelphia, contributing to the draft selections of running back LeSean McCoy; wide receivers Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson, and Jason Avant; tight end Brent Celek; and defensive tackle Trevor Laws.

Moreover, Grigson recently assisted in the signing of several free agents, including cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, defensive end Jason Babin, defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins, wide receiver Steve Smith, and quarterback Vince Young.

In addition, he also helped orchestrate the trade which sent Kevin Kolb to Arizona in exchange for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second round pick.

Although all those newly-added parts did not mesh during the early part of the season, the team's play did improve later as players returned from injury.

“I’m excited for the challenge and I’m excited to know I have the support of someone like Jim Irsay who is a great owner and a “football” guy,” said Grigson. “That was comforting to me and it set the wheels in motion right away. I knew immediately, this is where I wanted to be. From the onset this was a fit for me. I just felt it. Just as you have instincts in all areas of life, evaluation and football. Right away, I knew in my gut that it felt right.”

Grigson will be stepping immediately into a controversy, as he will need to address the team's dilemma at quarterback with the NFL Draft fast-approaching and Andrew Luck on the board.

The smart money is on the Colts to select Luck, but Grigson will need to first evaluate the health of Peyton Manning, who missed the entire season due to a neck injury.

A healthy Manning could spell a quarterback controversy, or perhaps even what was once unthinkable -- the potential trade of number 18.

By Staff of The Daily Sports Herald