INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts were looking for a quarterback to push Anthony Richardson for the starting role.
They landed on Daniel Jones.
The former New York Giants starter agreed to a one-year, $14 million contract with the Colts on Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity since free agents cannot officially sign until Wednesday. The contract could be worth up to $17.7 million.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard hinted at this move during the NFL scouting combine, stating that Indianapolis planned to have an “open” competition for the starting job.
“I think it’s good for the team, I think it’s good for Anthony,” Ballard said in February. “We drafted Anthony knowing it would take time and that there would be challenges along the way.”
Jones, the No. 6 overall pick in 2019, went 24-44-1 with the Giants, leading them to one playoff win before being released and finishing last season as a backup in Minnesota.
The Vikings appear ready to move forward with J.J. McCarthy, who missed his rookie season with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Sam Darnold, who guided Minnesota to a 14-3 record in 2024, signed with Seattle on Monday.
Richardson, the fourth overall pick in 2023, has struggled with injuries and accuracy, posting an 8-7 record as a starter. Last season, he had the lowest completion rate in the league (47.7%) and has thrown 11 touchdowns with 13 interceptions in two seasons.
Coach Shane Steichen benched Richardson for two games after he removed himself from a play due to fatigue, a decision that drew public criticism from some teammates. Steichen reinstated him after seeing the growth he was looking for.
“Consistency is the biggest thing,” Steichen said in February regarding Richardson’s development in 2025. “He’s played 15 games, he played 11 last year and did some really good things, but we’re looking for consistency.”
Even if Richardson wins the job, Jones may still get an opportunity, as Richardson has struggled to stay healthy. He played just four games as a rookie before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery and missed four more games due to injuries last season.
The Colts have a history of backup quarterbacks stepping up. Gardner Minshew nearly led the team to the playoffs in 2023, earning a Pro Bowl selection before signing with Las Vegas. Last season, veteran Joe Flacco, the 2023 AP Comeback Player of the Year, went 2-4 in six starts after joining the Colts midseason.
Indianapolis also had Sam Ehlinger on the roster and undrafted rookie Jason Bean on the practice squad in 2024, though Ehlinger is now a free agent.
While Ballard and Steichen remain confident in Richardson’s potential, they believe competition and a healthy offseason will aid his development.
“I know we all want to see a finished product right now,” Ballard said. “But as he continues to grow, adding competition will help elevate everyone’s game.”
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