Have you heard yet that the Indianapolis Colts have a quarterback competition going on? It’s true. Apparently, former first-round pick Anthony Richardson and free-agent signing Daniel Jones are battling out for the starting job in Indy.
It’s understandable that it’s not exactly exciting. Since being drafted No. 4 overall in 2023, Richardson has either been banged up, an on-field disaster (although with moments of brilliance) or benched for checking himself out of a game because he was “tired.” Jones was the No. 6-overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and most are familiar with his story. He only had one solid year as the starter for the New York Giants, got overpaid and then was released during the 2025 season.
Jones signed with the Vikings, but never played. Many saw it as an afterthought when the Colts signed him as a free agent this offseason, but according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, there were several interested teams.
“There were teams around the league that had a need at the quarterback position, or potentially, that really liked Daniel Jones,” Schefter said on a recent appearance on NFL Live. “The Colts were not the only ones. There was more interest in Daniel Jones out there than people realize.”
“In many cases, it’s worth following the money,” Schefter said. “The Indianapolis Colts are paying Daniel Jones more this year than the Pittsburgh Steelers are paying Aaron Rodgers. So, there is certainly some sense of expectation that at some point this season, maybe sooner rather than later, depending on how Anthony Richardson is recovering, we’re gonna see Daniel Jones out there at some point.”
Jones came to Indianapolis because he’d get a shot to start
So, if there were other teams interested, why did Jones choose the Colts? There were other teams in need of a quarterback, but Jones knew he’d have a shot at a starting job with the Colts.
“It’s an opportunity to come in and compete,” Jones said back in March. “I’m looking forward to that. I think I’ve had a lot of fun, a lot of respect for Anthony, watching him. I think he’s certainly a talented young player, and I think the competition aspect of it brings out the best in everybody. I think we’re both interested in helping this team win games and whatever we can do to help that happen.”
With Richardson’s offseason shoulder injury, Jones is in the driver’s seat. If he plays solid, competent football in training camp and the preseason (depending on how many snaps that would even be), he’ll most likely be the Week 1 starter.
Richardson should be ready for training camp
There are still question marks about Richardson’s health and the status of his shoulder. ESPN’s Colts reporter Stephen Holder was on NFL Live recently and said the reports on his shoulder are positive and that he should be ready for training camp.
“The good news here, Anthony Richardson’s shoulder, everything I’ve heard indicates that’s gonna be good going into training camp,” Holder said. “I’ve seen video of him throwing the football. He looks strong there, but he has to, I think, overcome the concept and the narrative that he is consistently hurt.”
If Richardson is truly healthy then he’ll get plenty of reps with the ones in camp. General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen have every incentive for him to succeed. If he’s not ready to be the guy and Jones plays well this season, it’s tough to see the team bringing him back in 2026. That goes for Ballard and Steichen too.
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