Former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has agreed to terms with the Colts on a one-year contract worth up to $17.7 million with $13.1 million guaranteed.
General manager Chris Ballard made one thing abundantly clear at the NFL Combine: there will be an open quarterback competition in Indianapolis.
“We want to create real competition,” he said. “I think it’s good for the team and I think it’s good for Anthony [Richardson].”
After being the fourth overall draft pick in 2023, Anthony Richardson’s career has gotten off to a shaky start. The highs have been high, making the highlight reel throws and being effective on the ground.
But the lows have been worryingly low. Richardson has failed to consistently hit the easy throws in the quick game. His completion percentage in 2024 was an ugly 47.7% as he threw four more interceptions than touchdowns.
“We drafted Anthony high knowing it was going to take some time and we knew there were going to be some hiccups along the way,” Ballard said. “I know we all want a finished product right now…but I think as he continues to progress in his young career, us adding competition will help up everybody's game."
Jones, a 2019 first-round pick, has had his fair share of career ups and downs as well. He earned a lucrative four-year, $160 million contract with the Giants after leading New York to a wild card win over the Vikings in 2022.
However, after injuries and disappointing performances plagued him in 2023 and 2024, Jones was waived on Nov. 23, when the Giants were just 2-8.
Jones joined the Vikings’ practice squad just four days later on Nov. 27 to prepare himself for his next opportunity.
Now, that opportunity comes with the Colts, after passing Ballard’s eye test, who said whoever Indy added has to be able to challenge Richardson from a production perspective.
Jones has the same dual-threat rushing ability as Richardson. He’s accumulated over 2,100 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns in six seasons (Richardson has 635 yards and seven touchdowns in two seasons).
Where Jones will challenge Richardson is as a passer. His completion percentage has never been lower than 61.9% in a season. He’s fallen short of 2,000 passing yards in a season just once, in 2023 when he tore his ACL after six games.
Richardson still remains the favorite to keep his job, but Jones’ $17 million price tag is revealing.
Clearly, the Colts are prepared to keep Richardson on a short leash and transition to Jones if the output from the 22-year-old isn’t good enough.
The pressure is on for Richardson, and head coach Shane Steichen recognizes that.
“You have to show up and play,” Steichen said. “Every year there are pressure situations and you have to show up week in and week out and put on your best performance.”
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