The early offseason returns for Colts QB Daniel Jones have been encouraging, but cautious optimism is still required going forward.
According to head coach Shane Steichen, new Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has been doing a ‘hell of a job’ through OTAs and minicamp with the team—acknowledging ‘he’s been very pleased’ with his offense’s veteran addition so far (via WISH-TV’s Anthony Calhoun):
The latest on #Colts QB Daniel Jones so far in Indy?
“He’s been doing a hell of a job” @WISHNews8 pic.twitter.com/oEuGGq3bDw
— Anthony Calhoun (@ACwishtv) June 12, 2025
It’s not necessarily surprising that Jones has looked pretty good so far through non-contact, on-field offseason drills, as his accuracy can really shine on shorter-to-intermediate throws.
The Colts bested the Minnesota Vikings in free agency by paying Jones bottom-tier NFL starting quarterback money to compete with incumbent 3rd-year pro Anthony Richardson, who’s currently resting a sore surgically repaired right throwing shoulder for the near future.
From that standpoint, Jones already has a bit of a head start on Richardson during what’s been publicly declared as an open starting quarterback competition—albeit he still doesn’t have two years in Steichen’s playbook and within this offensive system like the latter does:
Daniel Jones on if Anthony Richardson’s absence provides chance to take Colts’ starting QB job:
“I’ve got a lot of work to do just learning this offense and getting used to it. So, trying to focus as much on that and then playing good football when I’m on the field at practice.”
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) June 12, 2025
The early offseason results from Jones have no doubt been encouraging. That being said, having previously heard glowing offseason reports from former Colts recent attempted starters—including an aged Matt Ryan, I’m still taking this with some cautious optimism.
It is at least positive that even with Richardson’s uncertain ongoing health status, the Colts have a quarterback already in the fold with proven starting experience, who’s had some past success. Not to mention, they don’t have to significantly alter their offensive playbook either—as both Richardson and Jones possess somewhat similar dual-threat mobility.
Maybe the former first round pick and ex-New York Giants franchise quarterback hopeful just needed a change of scenery—and an offensive minded head coach eager to unlock his still untapped career potential (i.e., like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold recently). On the other hand, maybe the same things that have plagued Jones previously in his up-and-down pro career: injuries, inconsistency, and turnovers will rear their ugly head once again in Indy.