The Indianapolis Colts are at a crossroads when it comes to their quarterback position, with the recent addition of Daniel Jones adding a competitive edge to the situation surrounding Anthony Richardson. After being selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson has had a tumultuous journey with the Colts, marked by injuries and inconsistency during his play time.
Richardson's rookie season saw him participating in just four games due to a shoulder injury. He started a total of 11 games that season, displaying flashes of brilliance but also moments of uncertainty that left fans divided about his future. As a dual-threat quarterback, he showed potential but was often criticized for his struggles in traditional passing situations. The Colts felt it was necessary to bring in competition, which they achieved during the recent free agency period.
Jones, who previously played for the New York Giants, signed a one-year contract reportedly worth $14 million. While some fans may raise an eyebrow at this move, believing Jones' career has seen better days, the Colts' coaching staff seems optimistic about the pairing. Mike Sando of The Athletic shared insights from an unnamed offensive coach who expressed that the signing of Jones is a "perfect match." The coach elaborated, stating, "They do not have to change game plans for him because that guy (Jones) can do some of what Richardson can do running around. That is how Jones had his best year in New York anyway."
In 2022, Jones helped lead the Giants to an unexpected playoff berth and even secured a postseason victory over the Minnesota Vikings, which contributed significantly to his hefty contract. Interestingly, that year he finished fifth in the NFL in rushing yards for quarterbacks, illustrating his dual-threat capability. This dual-threat nature is something the Colts hope to capitalize on as they revamp their offense under head coach Shane Steichen, who successfully utilized similar talents with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia.
The Colts have recently shifted their approach, calling more designed quarterback runs for Richardson after a two-game benching in 2024, an experience that frustrated both the player and fans alike. Richardson took himself out of a game due to feeling "tired," which sparked questions about his endurance and readiness. This inconsistency has ultimately led to speculation about his future with the team.
While Richardson still possesses significant talent at just 22 years old, many are beginning to wonder whether there truly remains a viable path for him in Indianapolis. The Colts have been ambiguous in their commitment to Richardson, which has only fueled rumors of his exit. As things stand, the pressure is mounting on the young quarterback to step up his game in the upcoming season, or he could find himself on the trading block.
If Richardson were to be traded, experts believe the Colts might not receive much in return. Sando reported a realistic expectation of a trade yielding only a second-round pick at best, or more likely, an early third-round selection, with potential interest from teams like the New Orleans Saints. Considering how many teams are hungry for a quarterback, offering Richardson could backfire if he thrives in another system.
As the competition heats up between Richardson and Jones, it’s important to note that both players carry injury histories that add an element of unpredictability. The expectation is for Jones to step into the starting role out of training camp, but that battle could have lasting implications for Richardson’s future in the NFL.
While the competition officially has yet to begin, early insights suggest that Jones might enter September as the preferred choice for the Colts, especially if he performs well during the preseason. One coach declared, "This will be the freest Daniel Jones that we have ever seen. Expectations are off. The media market is totally different," highlighting that compared to his time with the Giants, where fan expectations weighed heavily, his new setting may provide the breathing room he needs.
The outcome of this quarterback battle will not only impact the careers of both Richardson and Jones but also mark a pivotal moment for the Colts organization as they strive to solidify their identity on offense. If Richardson can't prove he can maintain his starting spot against Jones, it could signal a frustrating setback for both him and the franchise, possibly leading to a need for yet another restructuring period for the Colts at football’s most crucial position.
As they head toward the new NFL season, all eyes will be on how this competition unfolds and whether Richardson can reclaim his position as the starter, or if Daniel Jones ascends to become the new face of the franchise.
