The quarterback competition for the Indianapolis Colts is settled. Head coach Shane Steichen has chosen Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback for the Colts, pushing aside 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson.
Veteran wins the job in Indianapolis
Jones, signed in March to a one-year, $14 million deal, arrived in Indianapolis with the expectation of an open contest for the job. The decision became official Tuesday when Steichen confirmed Jones will be under center to begin the season.
“I think the players have responded to him,” Steichen said. “He communicates well, he’s steady, and his experience shows. He’s our starter for the season, and I’m confident in that.”
Richardson had an up-and-down camp but showed flashes of promise during preseason action. While the battle looked close from the outside, Steichen emphasized that small factors tipped the scales toward the veteran.
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Jones looking for career reset
For Jones, this is a chance to revive his career after an unceremonious end with the New York Giants. Drafted sixth overall in 2019, Jones started 69 games in New York but struggled in recent seasons, finishing with some of the lowest QBR marks of his career before being released.
Now, he gets a fresh start in Indianapolis with a roster looking for stability under center.
What this means for Richardson
Richardson faces an uncertain path. The Colts have said his future with the franchise doesn’t hinge on winning the job this season, but they’ll need to decide on his fifth-year option for 2027. For now, he’ll watch from the sidelines as Jones takes the reins.
The move also places Steichen in a tricky spot. He was a strong advocate for drafting Richardson just two years ago, but he insists the decision had to be made for the good of the 2025 Colts.
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