After signing Daniel Jones early in free agency, the Indianapolis Colts are set to stage what promises to be one of the most watched quarterback competitions of training camp and the preseason.
Two former first-round picks, one chosen by the New York Giants in 2019 who never quite lived up to his billing as a top-10 pick, and one, the Colts’ handpicked quarterback of the future, chosen No. 4 overall in 2023.
One NFL coach suggests that Jones has the upper-hand and might be an ideal fit for Colts head coach Shane Steichen’s scheme.
“I think Jones winds up being the starter,” a current NFL offensive coach tells me, on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about another team. “But it might not be until six or eight weeks into the season.
“Richardson was horrible last season,” the coach bluntly says. “And, worse, he’s burnt every bridge with the coaching staff. Plus, Jones’ mobility is also going to fit Shane Steichen’s system really well.”
Time will tell if Richardson returns this spring into OTAs and minicamps significantly improved from a disappointing 2024 season, or just how much Jones improved during his final eight weeks spent with the Minnesota Vikings under head coach Kevin O’Connell.
But, if Jones has turned a corner in his career, and is able to ultimately beat out Richardson, the 27-year-old has the chance to launch a strong second half of his career, following in the footsteps of Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and other veterans who have found new life later on in their careers.
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