INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have decided to introduce a challenger for their quarterback position, offering Daniel Jones a one-year, $14 million contract. The agreement, which can rise to $17.7 million, aims to create an “open” competition for the starting quarterback spot, as previously hinted by Colts General Manager Chris Ballard. Ballard expressed in late February that competition would be beneficial for both the team and Anthony Richardson, their current quarterback.
Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, has had a rocky start in the NFL, struggling with injuries and completion accuracy. With an 8-7 record as a starter and a 47.7% completion rate last season—the lowest among starting quarterbacks—Richardson has faced challenges in proving his potential. Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen aims for more consistency from Richardson, who has shown moments of brilliance but needs to develop steadiness in his performance.
Daniel Jones, originally drafted by the New York Giants as the sixth overall pick in 2019, brings experience and a chance for resurgence. After a stint as a backup for the Minnesota Vikings last season, he finds an opportunity with the Colts to demonstrate his capability to be a starting quarterback once again. During his time with the Giants, Jones achieved a 24-44-1 record, including one playoff victory. His release from the Giants led him to the Vikings, where the team now looks to move forward with J.J. McCarthy as their presumptive starter.
Jones’ arrival triggers a potential shake-up in the Colts’ quarterback dynamics. Despite Richardson’s struggles, the Colts management, including Ballard and Steichen, remains optimistic about his future, acknowledging that a true competition could accelerate Richardson’s development. They hope a fit offseason and a rivalry for the starting role could hasten Richardson’s growth and bring out the best in both quarterbacks. Jones, on the other hand, stands to benefit from any openings created by Richardson’s possible injuries or inconsistent performances, echoing a precedent set by previous Colts quarterbacks who received unexpected chances.
The situation recalls last season’s approach when the Colts signed Joe Flacco who managed a 2-4 record in his starting games and a playoff near-miss by Gardner Minshew in 2023. The addition of Jones places further pressure on Richardson to solidify his place as the starter while also reassuring Colts fans and management of potential alternatives if he falters.
As the team gears up for the upcoming offseason activities and the 2025 performance expectations, both Ballard and Steichen are eager to see Richardson fulfill the potential recognized when they drafted him from Florida. However, they acknowledge that nurturing his growth with competitive conditions could be pivotal in refining his abilities and preparing him for future NFL seasons.
