The Indianapolis Colts announced on Thursday that they have signed quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to a contract extension.

It is understood that the extension is for one year, and it means that the veteran signal-caller will return for his 17th year in the NFL.

The 39-year-old threw 44 passes last season and recorded two touchdowns and over 300 yards in his limited playing time.

However, the veteran has served as a key part of the rosters that he has played on by acting as a mentor to young quarterbacks such as Jake Locker and Andrew Luck.

Hasselbeck was initially drafted in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers.