QB Daniel Jones agrees to a deal with the Indianapolis Colts, positioning him to compete with Anthony Richardson for the starting quarterback role.
The seasoned quarterback has finalized a one-year contract worth $14 million, as reported by FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz on Tuesday. This agreement includes $13.15 million in guaranteed funds and has the potential to reach $17 million. Schultz also indicated that the Minnesota Vikings made a strong effort to retain Jones before he chose the Colts.
At 28 years old, Jones was let go by the New York Giants in November but found a spot on the Vikings’ practice squad late in the season. This arrangement allowed him to learn under Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, a highly respected figure in offensive coaching, while serving as a backup to Sam Darnold during a notable season.
With the Colts, Jones is set to vie for the starting quarterback position. Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard has expressed the team’s intention to bring in a veteran quarterback to challenge Richardson for the starting role in 2025.
“It’s essential to find the right player to foster genuine competition,” Ballard mentioned to reporters at the combine. “This will benefit both the team and Anthony. We selected Anthony with the understanding that his development would take time. We anticipated some challenges along the way. While everyone desires immediate results, adding competition will elevate everyone’s performance.”
Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has faced difficulties in his early career. A shoulder injury cut his rookie season short after just four games. In the previous season, he accumulated 1,814 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and 12 interceptions across 11 games, posting a passer rating of 61.6. Additionally, he rushed for 499 yards and six touchdowns.
Jones has experienced success in the past, including leading the Giants to the playoffs in 2022. However, his performance has fluctuated since then. He suffered an ACL tear in 2023, which sidelined him after just six games. Last season, he recorded 2,070 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 79.4 over ten games with New York.
Following a disappointing 2-8 record in the ten games he started in 2024, the Giants decided to bench him in November. Shortly after, Jones requested his release, which was granted.
Jones’ move to the Colts may also facilitate J.J. McCarthy’s rise as the Vikings’ starting quarterback in 2025. Sam Darnold, who held the starting position last season, signed a three-year contract with the Seahawks on Monday. The Vikings selected McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he was unable to participate in the regular season due to a meniscus tear.
Jones was ranked 91st in FOX Sports’ top 100 free agents list, placing him fifth among quarterbacks available this offseason.
