QB Daniel Jones los Minnesota Vikings; QB Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts / Primeroy Diez
If Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones are uncertain about their standing in the NFL, their teams’ decisions make things clear. Richardson, the Indianapolis Colts’ No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, recently discovered he’ll have to fight for his starting job after opening the past two seasons atop the depth chart. Meanwhile, Daniel Jones, who was drafted sixth overall by the New York Giants in 2019, was benched before requesting his release last November. He later signed with the Minnesota Vikings, but after limited opportunities, he’s now joining the Colts on a one-year, $14 million deal to compete with Richardson for the starting role.
Both quarterbacks are at a critical point in their careers, and the battle for the starting job in Indianapolis could shape their futures.
A Career-Defining Opportunity
Jones arrives in Indianapolis eager to prove he can still be a starting quarterback after falling out of favor in New York. For Richardson, it’s about solidifying his position as the Colts’ franchise quarterback after a rocky start to his career.
Richardson missed 12 games as a rookie in 2023 due to a season-ending shoulder injury, followed by another six games in 2024 due to oblique and back issues. When on the field, he struggled with accuracy, posting a 50.6% career completion rate, which raised doubts about his potential. Additionally, the Colts cited concerns about his professionalism and preparation, leading to a two-week benching last season.
“I’ve been competing all my life,” Richardson said. “I love competing. So, if the team feels like that’s the right direction we want to go in, I’m all for it. I’m competing.”
Jones, on the other hand, is looking for redemption. After losing his starting job in New York, he hopes to follow the path of former teammate Sam Darnold, who revitalized his career with the Vikings, leading them to a 14-3 record before landing a three-year, $100.5 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks.
“You always want to be on the field,” Jones said in January. “You always want to be playing and competing.”
Colts’ Plan: Create Real Competition
Colts general manager Chris Ballard believes that bringing in Jones will push Richardson to improve.
“We want to create real competition,” Ballard said during the NFL combine. “I think it’s good for the team. I think it’s good for Anthony … As he continues to progress in his young career, us adding competition, I think, will help up everybody’s game.”
For Richardson, this season is crucial. The Colts will soon decide whether to pick up his fifth-year option, which could be worth millions. His performance in 2025 will heavily influence that decision.
For Jones, this is a chance to prove he can still lead an NFL offense. He reportedly chose Indianapolis over Minnesota due to the higher likelihood of starting, as the Vikings are committed to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
The situation in Indianapolis is simple: two quarterbacks, one job, and massive career implications.
Richardson is fighting to secure his future as the Colts’ long-term answer at quarterback. Jones is trying to revive a career that once showed promise.
The outcome of this battle will not only define their futures but also determine whether the Colts can finally establish stability at the quarterback position after years of uncertainty.
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This report used information from ESPN.
