The NFL has always been a league of second chances, but few recent stories have reshaped that narrative more than Sam Darnold.
After years of inconsistency following his start with the New York Jets, Darnold rebuilt his career step by step, eventually leading the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl title and redefining what success can look like for a former first-round pick. Now, according to NFL.com columnist Jeffri Chadiha, Daniel Jones could be next in line to follow that path.
Jones‘ journey already mirrors many elements of Darnold‘s rise. A former first-round pick of the New York Giants, Jones experienced the highs of early opportunity and the lows of unmet expectations. By the time his tenure in New York came to an end, his future as a starting quarterback was in doubt. Like Darnold, he needed a reset, both in environment and perception.
A quiet reset for Jones
That reset began quietly. Jones spent the final stretch of the 2024 season on the practice squad of the Minnesota Vikings, where he observed Darnold’s development under head coach Kevin O’Connell. The experience proved valuable. When Jones signed with the Indianapolis Colts, he carried those lessons into a fresh opportunity, eventually beating out Anthony Richardson for the starting job.
Before his season was cut short, Jones was putting together the best stretch of his career. He threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, helping guide Indianapolis to an 8-2 start and legitimate playoff contention. That momentum came to an abrupt halt when he suffered a torn Achilles in Week 14, ending what had become one of the league’s most compelling comeback stories.
The Colts have made it clear they believe in what Jones showed. The organization signed him to a two-year, $88 million deal, a contract that signals confidence while still leaving room for Jones to prove that his resurgence is sustainable. It’s a structure similar to the deal Darnold received before his breakthrough in Seattle, reinforcing the idea that Jones is in a comparable position.
Daniel has the right pieces around him
Jones appears to have the right pieces around him. Running back Jonathan Taylor provides a strong foundation in the backfield, while targets like Alec Pierce and Tyler Warren add versatility to the passing game. Perhaps most importantly, head coach Shane Steichen has already demonstrated his ability to elevate quarterbacks, having helped Jalen Hurts develop into an MVP candidate during his time in Philadelphia.
Chadiha‘s argument is rooted in a broader truth about the position. Not every quarterback will follow the trajectory of superstars like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Lamar Jackson. But that doesn’t mean they can’t succeed at a high level. Darnold‘s career proved that development is not always linear, and that the right combination of timing, coaching, and opportunity can unlock potential that once seemed lost.
Jones has already experienced the kind of adversity that often defines these turnaround stories. He knows what it’s like to be doubted, to lose a starting job, and to rebuild from the ground up. Now, entering his second season in Indianapolis, he also has something he didn’t have before: proof that he can lead a winning team. The question is whether he can take the next step.
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