Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen has made a surprising decision, naming veteran quarterback Daniel Jones as the starter for the 2025 season,. This move comes after an offseason battle with Anthony Richardson, the Colts' former first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The announcement was made on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, just weeks before the Colts are set to face the Miami Dolphins in their season opener on September 7.
Steichen cited Jones' consistency, accuracy, and command of the offense as key factors in his decision. He emphasized the importance of Jones' ability to operate at the line of scrimmage, make checks, handle protection calls, and maintain a high completion percentage. "You guys heard me talk about the consistency. That's really what I was looking for," Steichen said. "Really the operations at the line of scrimmage, the checks, the protection, the ball placement, the completion percentage, all that played a factor in it".
Jones, who signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Colts in March, brings a wealth of experience to Indianapolis. After a promising start to his career with the New York Giants, including a $160 million contract extension, Jones struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance, ultimately leading to his release. He then spent part of 2024 as a backup for the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Colts as a free agent.
The decision to start Jones marks a significant setback for Anthony Richardson, who was expected to be the Colts' franchise quarterback. Richardson's early career has been plagued by injuries, and he has struggled to consistently demonstrate the progress the team hoped to see. Despite his potential, Steichen felt that Richardson still needed to develop in key areas. "A.R. was great. He knows that he still needs to develop and learn in those areas," Steichen said. While Richardson will begin the season as the backup, Steichen noted that he is "just one play away from being needed".
This move signals a shift in the Colts' approach as they aim to improve upon their 8-9 record from the previous year and end their playoff drought. The team has not reached the playoffs in four years and has not won the AFC South title in a decade. With a strong supporting cast including Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., and Josh Downs, the Colts are hoping that Jones can provide the stability and leadership needed to guide the offense.
The decision to start Jones also reflects the Colts' focus on winning now. While Richardson represents the future, Jones offers a more experienced and polished option at quarterback. The Colts are betting that Jones can quickly integrate into the offense and make sound decisions.
The news has generated mixed reactions, with some questioning the Colts' commitment to Richardson and others expressing optimism about Jones' potential in a new environment. Only time will tell if Steichen's "shocking decision" will pay off for the Colts in the 2025 season.
