The Indianapolis Colts have officially completed the signing of quarterback Daniel Jones on a one-year deal worth $14 million, signaling a bold and potentially defining move ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
Jones, 27, joins the Colts after a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings and several years as a starter with the New York Giants. His arrival in Indianapolis is set to intensify the quarterback competition with Anthony Richardson, the 22-year-old talent who burst onto the scene in 2023 but faltered last season amid injury struggles and inconsistency.
The Colts’ front office, led by General Manager Chris Ballard, has made it clear they want to create a competitive environment under center as the franchise looks to rebound from a frustrating 8-9 campaign in 2024.
“We believe Daniel brings experience, leadership, and a strong competitive edge to our quarterback room,” Ballard said in a statement on Friday. “This is about building depth and giving ourselves the best chance to win football games. Shane [Steichen] will evaluate things during camp and make the best decision for this football team.
Head Coach Shane Steichen now faces one of the toughest decisions of his Colts tenure: stick with the highly touted Richardson, who flashed elite potential but failed to deliver last season, or turn the reins over to the steady hand of Jones, who is eager to reestablish himself as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Jones, known for his athleticism and deep-ball accuracy, wasted no time getting to work in his new environment. A video of him at voluntary OTAs went viral earlier this week, showing the quarterback dropping a pinpoint pass into the hands of a receiver in stride. The clip sparked immediate reaction across social media, with fans speculating whether Jones could indeed start Week 1.
The Colts are set to open their 2025 season at home on September 7, welcoming the Miami Dolphins to Lucas Oil Stadium — a matchup that could see Jones debut in front of a packed house if he secures the starting role.
Richardson, meanwhile, will look to bounce back after an injury-plagued 2024 season that began with shoulder surgery and ended with questions over his form and future. The former first-round pick still has immense upside, but the Colts’ decision to bring in a seasoned competitor suggests patience may be wearing thin.
Daniel Jones’ deal includes performance-based incentives that could raise the total value beyond $14 million if he hits playing-time and statistical benchmarks.
Jones addressed the media shortly after the signing, expressing confidence and gratitude.
“I’m excited for this opportunity,” he said. “This is a great organization with a lot of talent, and I’m here to compete and help this team win. Whatever role I’m in, I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”
As training camp looms in late July, all eyes will be on Indianapolis — not for who they play, but who plays quarterback.
The battle between Jones and Richardson may very well define the Colts’ season.
