*Colts Sign Daniel Jones to Compete with Anthony Richardson for Starting QB Job**
The **Indianapolis Colts** are shaking up their quarterback room, signing former **New York Giants** starter **Daniel Jones** to a **one-year, $14 million deal** (worth up to **$17.7 million** with incentives). The move sets up an **open competition** between Jones and **Anthony Richardson** for the starting job in 2025, according to a source familiar with the agreement who spoke to **The Associated Press** on condition of anonymity.
Colts general manager **Chris Ballard** hinted at this move during the **NFL Scouting Combine**, emphasizing the importance of competition to push Richardson, the **No. 4 overall pick** in the 2023 draft. “We drafted Anthony high, knowing it was going to take some time, and we knew there would be hiccups along the way,” Ballard said.
Jones, the **No. 6 overall pick** in 2019, struggled during his tenure with the Giants, posting a **24-44-1 record** with just one playoff win. After being released by New York, he spent last season as a backup for the **Minnesota Vikings**, who are now set to start **J.J. McCarthy** after trading **Sam Darnold** to the **Seattle Seahawks**.
Richardson, meanwhile, has faced challenges of his own. In his first two NFL seasons, he’s gone **8-7 as a starter** with a league-worst **47.7% completion rate** in 2024. He’s also dealt with multiple injuries, including a season-ending shoulder surgery in his rookie year and additional missed games last season.
Head coach **Shane Steichen** has emphasized the need for Richardson to improve his **consistency** and decision-making. “We’ve had conversations about being consistent,” Steichen said in February. “He’s played 15 games, did some really good things, but we’re just looking for consistency.”
Even if Richardson wins the starting job, Jones could still see playing time given Richardson’s injury history. The Colts have a history of backup quarterbacks stepping up, as seen with **Gardner Minshew** in 2023 and **Joe Flacco** last season.
The Colts believe Richardson has the potential to be a franchise quarterback, but they’re not rushing his development. “We all want to see a finished product right now,” Ballard said. “But adding competition will help elevate everybody’s game.”
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