The Indianapolis Colts have made their choice at quarterback.
Daniel Jones has been named the starter ahead of incumbent first-stringer Anthony Richardson Sr., coach Shane Steichen announced Tuesday.
‘He’s our starting quarterback for the season,’ Steichen said of Jones. ‘I don’t want to have a quick leash on that. I feel confident in his abilities.’
The Colts signed Jones to a one-year, $14 million contract this offseason amid continued turbulence with Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft who was benched last season for Joe Flacco amid a series of struggles and a request to exit a game due to fatigue. Richardson later returned to the lineup but has started just 15 games in two years and his 47.7% completion percentage in 2024 ranked last among all regular starters in the NFL.
Throughout the offseason, Steichen harped on consistency as the key factor for the eventual winner of the competition. He returned to that theme Tuesday in explaining his decision-making process.
‘You guys heard me talk about the consistency, and that’s really what I was looking for,’ Steichen said. ‘Really the operation at the line of scrimmage, the checks, the protection, the ball placement, the completion percentage – I think all that played a factor in it. Daniel did a great job doing it, and (Richardson) made strides in that area, but I do feel like he needs to continue to develop in those areas.’
Jones, meanwhile, returns to the starting ranks after he was benched and subsequently released by the Giants last November during his sixth season with the team.
Despite Jones’ struggles the last two seasons, during which he threw 13 interceptions in 16 games, Steichen said the Colts had ample reason to believe the quarterback could helm an efficient offense.
‘Well, I think that he’s proven that he’s played good football in that 2022 season,’ Steichen said. ‘He had a hell of a year that year. I think that the highest completion rate in Giants franchise history that season. I know he’s had his ups and downs, but everyone’s journey is different, and I feel confident in his abilities.’
