The Indianapolis Colts have ended months of speculation by naming veteran Daniel Jones their starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed the decision Tuesday, choosing the free-agent acquisition over second-year passer Anthony Richardson.
Steichen praised Jones’ presence and leadership in making the call. “I think the guys have taken to him. He’s a great communicator with the guys. You can see that veteran presence out there. So, I’m excited for that,” Steichen said. He added that the decision was not temporary, declaring, “He’s our starting quarterback for the season. I don’t want to have a quick leash on that. I feel confident in his abilities.”
The Colts signed Jones in March to a one-year, $14 million deal, framing the move as an open competition with Richardson, the team’s 2023 first-round pick. Richardson had shown progress throughout training camp and delivered encouraging preseason performances, but Steichen pointed to subtle factors that gave Jones the edge.
For Richardson, the news was a disappointment but not a deterrent. “That’s the decision we’ve got to live with, but no hard feelings, nothing personal,” Richardson said. “I’ve just got to keep growing. I just can’t let me not being a starter stop me from going and being the person, the player that I’m supposed to be.” The young quarterback noted he felt he had made “big steps” in preparation, knowledge of the offense, and mechanics despite the outcome.
Jones, meanwhile, sees the decision as validation of his gamble in joining the Colts. The former New York Giants starter was released last year after six turbulent seasons and came to Indianapolis hoping for a career reset. “I think that was obviously a big piece of why I came here—to be on the field and to be with this group,” Jones said. “I think there’s a lot of things here to be excited about, so yeah, I’m certainly happy I made the decision.”
Jones started 69 games for the Giants after being drafted sixth overall in 2019, but his performance dipped in recent seasons, culminating in two of his lowest career QBRs in 2023 (36.3) and 2024 (47.8). Now, he gets a fresh start in a Colts system looking for stability under center.
The decision does raise questions about Richardson’s long-term future. The Colts will face a choice on his fifth-year option in 2027, and while the team insists the quarterback battle does not define his role with the franchise, sitting behind Jones could delay his development. The move is especially striking given that Steichen was one of Richardson’s strongest advocates during the 2023 draft.
Still, Steichen defended his approach, saying he must prioritize the present over projections. “I think this league is a year-to-year league,” he said. “And I do what I feel is best for the Colts in 2025. That’s what I get paid to do, and I’ve got to go with what I feel is right.”
For now, the Colts’ quarterback question has an answer: Jones is in command, and Richardson is tasked with waiting for his opportunity. How long that arrangement lasts could shape the future of both the player and the franchise.
