Daniel Jones is an NFL starter as soon as once more.
Jones gained the Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback job over Anthony Richardson, head coach Shane Steichen introduced Tuesday.
“He’s our starting quarterback for the season,” Steichen stated. “I don’t want to have a quick leash on that. I feel confident in his abilities.”
Jones signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Colts in March, 4 months after the Giants launched him.
The 28-year-old Jones spent the ultimate 5 weeks of final season on the Minnesota Vikings’ apply squad, and he was added to the lively roster for his or her lone playoff sport.
However the Colts offered a greater alternative for Jones to compete for a beginning job after Richardson’s first two NFL seasons have been marred by harm and inconsistency.
“I think the guys have taken to him,” Steichen stated of Jones. “He’s a great communicator with the guys. You can see that veteran presence out there, so I’m excited for that.”
Jones, whom the Giants drafted No. 6 general in 2019, went 24-44-1 in his six seasons as a starter, together with 2-8 final yr earlier than his launch. Jones owns a profession completion share of 64.1% and has thrown for 70 touchdowns with 47 interceptions.
He’s three years faraway from his finest NFL season, when he threw for 3,205 yards and 15 touchdowns and ran for 708 yards and 7 scores. The Giants went 9-7-1 and earned a wild-card berth that yr, and Jones led them to a win over the Vikings within the first spherical of the playoffs.
The Giants then signed Jones to a four-year, $160 million contract, solely to launch him lower than midway by means of.
Richardson, the No. 4 choose within the 2023 draft, is 8-7 as a starter, however he has underwhelmed as a passer, finishing 50.6% of his makes an attempt and throwing 11 touchdowns with 13 interceptions. He has rushed for 635 yards and 10 touchdowns in his profession.
“The operation at the line of scrimmage, the checks, the protection, the ball placement, the completion percentage, all of that played a factor,” Steichen stated of the Colts’ QB competitors. “Daniel did a great job doing that. I think AR has made strides in that area, but I do feel that he still needs to continue to develop in those areas.”
Jones accomplished 17-of-32 passes for 245 yards this preseason. Richardson is 8-for-14 for 94 yards.
The veteran Jones is now tasked with main an offense that incorporates a star operating again in Jonathan Taylor, established large receivers in Michael Pittman and Josh Downs, and a first-round rookie tight finish in Tyler Warren.
Jones seems to get his profession again on observe with the assist of Steichen, who helped develop Justin Herbert because the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive coordinator in 2020 and Jalen Hurts because the Philadelphia Eagles’ OC from 2021-23.
The Colts try to enhance on final yr’s 8-9 report and search their first journey to the playoffs since 2020.
Richardson was additionally benched for 2 video games final season, with Joe Flacco changing him. Requested if he sees a future for Richardson because the Colts’ starter, Steichen stated, “That’s hard to say,” however acknowledged the 23-year-old might get one other alternative if one thing occurs to Jones.
“This league is a year-to-year league,” Steichen stated. “What do I feel is best for the Indianapolis Colts in 2025? I’ve got to make these decisions. That’s what I get paid to do, and I’ve got to go with what I feel is right.”
Initially Revealed: August 19, 2025 at 1:43 PM EDT
