The Indianapolis Colts have officially named Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season, concluding a training camp battle with Anthony Richardson. Head coach Shane Steichen informed both quarterbacks of his decision. Jones, who joined the Colts this offseason, will take the helm as the Colts face the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.
This decision marks a significant turn of events for the Colts, especially considering the investment they made in Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Richardson's career with the Colts has been marked by injuries and inconsistent performance. In his first season, Richardson underwent nasal septum surgery and was named the starting quarterback, but his season was cut short due to a shoulder injury. In 2024, he started 11 games, completing 126 of 264 passes for 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 499 yards and six touchdowns.
Daniel Jones' path to the starting role in Indianapolis has been equally circuitous. After spending his first five and a half seasons with the New York Giants, Jones was waived mid-season in 2024 and subsequently picked up by the Minnesota Vikings. The Colts signed him to a one-year deal this offseason to compete with Richardson. Jones' career stats include 14,582 passing yards, 70 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions across 70 games.
Throughout the preseason, the quarterback competition remained close. Richardson started the first preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens but left early with a dislocated pinky. Jones stepped in, and both quarterbacks split time in the first half. In the second preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, Jones started and played the first two series before Richardson took over for the rest of the first half.
While neither quarterback decisively outperformed the other in the preseason games, Jones apparently made a stronger impression during practice. Steichen emphasized that every rep, walkthrough, and meeting was being evaluated. Despite Richardson's return to practice after his finger injury, Jones continued to start in the second preseason game.
The decision to start Jones reflects a calculated move by the Colts coaching staff. Jones brings a level of experience and, at least in the eyes of the Colts' coaching staff, consistency to the quarterback position. His past performance with the Giants, including a Wild Card victory in 2022 where he threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for over 70 yards, showcases his potential.
For Anthony Richardson, this decision means he will begin the season as the backup quarterback. Richardson's talent is undeniable. He possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism, as evidenced by his perfect RAS score. The Colts remain invested in his development, and it is likely that Richardson will see playing time at some point during the season.
The Colts' decision to name Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback is a significant one that could shape the trajectory of their 2025 season. It remains to be seen whether Jones can provide the stability and production the team needs, or if Richardson will eventually reclaim the starting role.
