Fansided

Former Colts general manager Ryan Grigson to join Browns front office

By Brad Berreman

Oct 23, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson prior to the Colts game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson prior to the Colts game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ryan Grigson had to take a step back after being fired as general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, and his new job qualifies as a step down.

Any NFL front office executive would love to be tied to a franchise quarterback. Ryan Grigson fell into the post-Peyton Manning era for the Indianapolis Colts, with Andrew Luck as the No. 1 pick in 2012. But back-to-back non-playoff seasons led to him being fired after last season, as Grigson consistently struggled with any plan to assemble talent around Luck.

One of the most notorious moves Grigson made as Colts’ general manager was a 2013 trade for running back Trent Richardson. He sent a 2014 first-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for Richardson, who went on to average 3.1 yards per carry over 29 games for the Colts. The third overall pick in 2012 also has not played in the league since.

But that was with a different front office regime in place in Cleveland, and the Browns have hired Grigson with the title of Senior Personnel Executive.

Executive Vice President Sashi Bown offered a statement.

"“Ryan brings valuable experience to our personnel group,” said Brown. “He was raised as a road-scout and has been evaluating talent in this league for almost 20 years. We place a premium on that experience and on his passion for football.  Ryan has much to offer to any personnel department and we are pleased that he chose to join our staff.”"

Grigson did qualify himself to be hired by the Colts by climbing the ladder from scout to Director of Player Personnel with the Philadelphia Eagles. But his dismal stint as a general manager has certainly diminished any reputation he may have had around the league, as evidenced by the Browns being the best or only job opportunity he had.

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Landing in Cleveland is generally a bad sign for a veteran’s playing career, and that has to extend to executives with similar experience. But at least Grigson won’t be weighed down by great expectations now.

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