Daniel Jones signed with the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. The former Duke quarterback could revive his career in Indy and become the next Sam Darnold.
Darnold was Jones’ teammate with the Minnesota Vikings last season. He was a high draft pick who struggled early on in his career. Yet, he later ditched the “bust” label and emerged as a star quarterback.
The New York Giants selected Daniel Jones with the sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He was supposed to develop into the team’s franchise QB. But that never quite came to fruition.
Jones did have a good season, though, in 2022. That year, he threw for 3,2015 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also rushed for 708 yards and seven scores. More importantly, Jones led the Giants to the postseason. He even helped the team win a playoff game against the Vikings.
Jones’ performance in 2022 landed him a massive $160 million contract extension. Unfortunately, his career went downhill after that. Last season, the Giants benched him and subsequently released him. He then signed with the Vikings, although he never played a game for them as he backed up Darnold.
Colts Quarterback Daniel Jones Could Become the Next Sam Darnold
Looking Back At Sam Darnold’s Career
The New York Jets selected Darnold third overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. He would only play three seasons in New York before being traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021.
After two seasons in Carolina and one with the San Francisco 49ers, Darnold signed a deal with the Vikings in 2024. He was expected to hold down the fort until rookie J.J. McCarthy was ready to take over. However, McCarthy suffered a torn meniscus, forcing him to miss the entire year.
Darnold went on to have a great 2024 season. He was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time after passing for a career-high 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns. He led the Vikings to a 14-3 record, although they lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs.
Earlier this offseason, Darnold left Minnesota and signed with the Seattle Seahawks. He’ll replace quarterback Gino Smith, who was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Can Daniel Jones Revive His Career?
The Colts signed Daniel Jones to compete with Anthony Richardson. Richardson, who Indianapolis drafted fourth overall in 2023, hasn’t had a spectacular start to his career. The former Florida Gator has been bitten hard by the injury bug and has struggled as a passer.
Like Jones, Richardson was benched last season. Also like Jones, he is a former top-10 pick, who’s trying to prove he isn’t a bust.
It remains to be seen whether Jones can beat out Richardson for the starting quarterback job. If he does, there’s a chance that he’ll take off and have a great 2025 season.
Remember, it took six years for Darnold to turn his career around. He was far from a superstar during his time with the Jets, Panthers, and 49ers. But he finally got the job done once he landed in Minnesota.
Sometimes, a change of scenery makes a huge difference. Daniel Jones is surrounded by offensive weapons like Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., and rookie Tyler Warren. Don’t be surprised if Jones revives his career in 2025.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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