The Indianapolis Colts are adding another contender to their quarterback room.
Free agent Daniel Jones is finalizing a one-year, $14 million deal with the team, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Colts roll the dice on Daniel Jones
After spending time on the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad last season, Jones had the option to return but instead opted to compete for a starting role in Indianapolis.
Jones’ arrival sets up an intriguing battle with 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson, whom the Colts still see as a potential franchise quarterback.
General manager Chris Ballard made it clear at last month’s NFL Scouting Combine that the team planned to create competition at the position.
With Richardson looking to bounce back from injuries and Jones eager to prove himself after a rocky tenure with the New York Giants, the Colts’ quarterback situation is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched storylines heading into the 2025 season.
Can Daniel Jones revive his career
Once the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Jones struggled to establish himself as a reliable starter in New York.
While his toughness and work ethic were never in question, his on-field performance told a different story.
Across six seasons, Jones posted a 22-44-1 record as a starter, throwing for 70 touchdowns and 47 interceptions.
He never surpassed 15 passing touchdowns in a season outside of his rookie campaign.
Jones’ time with the Giants ended in a midseason demotion, and after being released, he landed in Minnesota, where he remained on the practice squad for most of the season.
His new deal with the Colts offers him a fresh opportunity to compete for a starting job, but whether he can take advantage remains uncertain.
While Jones has struggled, Richardson has also faced his share of criticism.
The former Florida Gator has started 15 games in the NFL, throwing 11 touchdown passes to 13 interceptions while completing just 50.6% of his throws.
His inexperience and decision-making have been questioned, including a moment last season when he removed himself from a game due to exhaustion, an incident that sparked debate about his leadership.
Despite those concerns, Richardson remains in the Colts’ long-term plans.
His agent recently confirmed that he is fully healthy and not seeking a trade, emphasizing that the young quarterback is ready for the challenge ahead.
With Jones and Richardson both looking to secure the starting job, the Colts’ offseason program and training camp will be pivotal.
Indianapolis is betting on competition bringing out the best in both quarterbacks, but if neither steps up, the team could be left searching for answers yet again.
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