Colts Choose Jones Over Richardson as Season Starter
One of the more notable training camp battles of the offseason unfolded in Indianapolis, where the Colts’ quarterback room became the center of intense competition. Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson, both eager to claim the starting job, engaged in a closely watched battle that kept many patiently awaiting a decision on who the starter would be. This week, however, that battle finally reached its conclusion, with Daniel Jones officially confirmed as the Colts’ starting quarterback heading into the new season.
When asked, Head Coach Shane Steichen said, “He’s the starting quarterback for the season,” on Tuesday, while also adding, “I don’t want to have a short leash on that.”
Jones is now being given a second opportunity to prove himself as a starter in the NFL. On Tuesday, the Colts publicly announced that the former Giants quarterback had won the job following a hard-fought offseason contest against Anthony Richardson, the team’s highly touted fourth overall pick from the 2023 draft. Although the competition was fierce, on-field performances during training camp made it difficult to declare a definitive frontrunner. Neither Jones nor Richardson managed to pull significantly ahead in practice or preseason games. Both players demonstrated improvement between the first and second preseason weeks, showing growth and adaptation to the Colts’ offensive system. Ultimately, Head Coach Shane Steichen’s decision seems to have come down to Jones’ ability to manage the offense with a level of poise and experience that the younger Richardson has yet to consistently display.
Jones, a first-round pick by the New York Giants in 2019, brings with him a journey marked by highs and lows over five and a half seasons in New York before being released last November. At 28 years old, he concluded the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings, primarily on their practice squad. Signing a one-year, $14 million contract with the Colts in free agency symbolizes both a fresh start and an endorsement of his potential to stabilize the quarterback position.
In two preseason appearances with Indianapolis, Jones has yet to throw a touchdown or an interception, which suggests that maybe it’s a “best of two evils” type situation as he works to rebuild confidence and rhythm within a new team. Meanwhile, Richardson’s trajectory has been hindered by injuries and inconsistency. A shoulder injury cut short his rookie season after just one month, and an oblique injury sidelined him for Weeks 5 and 6 last year. His rookie campaign also included a stint on the bench, as veteran Joe Flacco took over starting duties temporarily. Across two seasons and 15 games, Richardson has intermittently flashed his rare athleticism, showing glimpses of the dynamic playmaking ability that made him a top draft pick. However, questions remain about whether he can reliably shoulder the pressures and responsibilities that come with being an NFL starter—a concern that likely influenced the Colts’ decision to bring in Jones as a more proven option this offseason.
With this decision, the Colts appear committed to giving Jones the opportunity to lead the offense with stability and veteran savvy while still keeping an eye on Richardson’s development as a potential future starter. For now, the team hopes Jones’ experience and steady leadership will provide the foundation needed to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season. Still, the situation is something to monitor, as it seems that Richardson may not take the news lightly.