This offseason, the Indianapolis Colts signed Daniel Jones to a one-year, $14 million contract. Jones certainly isn’t considered a star quarterback. With that said, he might last just one season in Indy. But then again, he could wind up being the Colts’ starter for years to come.
Jones, known for his time with the New York Giants, has had a disappointing career. Yet, sometimes players turn things around later on with another team.
Sam Darnold is the perfect example. The New York Jets drafted him third overall in 2018. He lasted only three years in New York. Then, after two seasons with the Carolina Panthers and one with the San Francisco 49ers, Darnold finally emerged as a star last season. He passed for a career-high 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-3 record. You never know, Jones could pull a “Sam Darnold” in 2025.
Could Daniel Jones Be the Colts’ Long-Term Answer at Quarterback?
Less-than-Spectacular Career
The 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, Jones returned from a torn ACL and started the Giants’ first 10 games. But after starting 2-8, the team demoted him to No. 3 on the depth chart.
Jones was then released. He later signed with the Vikings, although he never played a game for them as he backed up Darnold.
Jones Might Be QB1 in Indy
The Colts have been looking for a franchise quarterback since Andrew Luck retired in 2019. Anthony Richardson was supposed to be that guy. But so far, that hasn’t been the case. The Colts drafted Richardson fourth overall in 2023. Unfortunately, his career has been derailed with injuries and far-from-elite passing. He completed just 47.7 percent of his passes last season.
Richardson had a shoulder injury scare earlier this offseason. Yet, it is believed that he has recovered, but he won’t be fully evaluated until he arrives for training camp.
Daniel Jones will compete with Richardson for the starting quarterback job this year. Sure, Richardson could win and go on to have a breakout 2025 season. But if he has another disappointing season, Jones could step up and be “The Man” in Indianapolis.
If Jones becomes the Colts’ starter, he might follow a similar path to Darnold and Baker Mayfield. Both players were considered busts not long ago. As mentioned earlier, Darnold revived his career in Minnesota. Mayfield, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns first overall in 2018, has become a two-time Pro-Bowler with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Jones is surrounded by a talented group of playmakers in Indy. The team has star running back Jonathan Taylor, wide receivers like Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs, as well as rookie tight end Tyler Warren. Those guys can help Jones become the Colts’ franchise QB.
Main Photo: [Grace Hollars/IndyStar] – USA Today Sports
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