That could potentially be a good thing for the Colts…
According to NFL.com’s Kevin Patra, Indianapolis Colts’ new veteran quarterback Daniel Jones will have worse numbers in 2025 with his new squad:
Daniel Jones
Year 7 · Age: 28
Indianapolis Colts
With Giants in 2024: 10 games (all starts) | 63.3 pct | 2,070 pass yds | 6.1 ypa | 8 pass TD | 7 INT | 265 rush yds | 2 rush TD | 4 fumbles
2025 numbers will be: WORSE
Jones was brought in to light a fire under Anthony Richardson. It would not be a stunner if Jones won the QB1 gig over the talented but erratic Richardson. But neither is exactly reliable.
Jones’ time in New York wasn’t pretty, and his scatter-shot passing doesn’t promise better results than Richardson, but at least he can say he’s won a playoff game in his career. Jones did have brief moments when protected well, showing he could hit targets in stride, and his dual-threat ability was a problem for defenses. Outside of 2022, however, there isn’t much to write home about, with a 70:47 career touchdown-to-interception ratio and 50 career fumbles.
When a team brings in a veteran to push a young player, it’s usually an indicator that they’re ready to move on. However, the Colts are heavily invested in Richardson. The youngster will likely get every opportunity to prove he’s grown from last year’s disaster. I think that desperation gives Richardson one more shot to open the season. If he stumbles, Jones at least gives Shane Steichen a veteran who can run the offense.
For some Colts fans, that’s not exactly what they were hoping to hear, as Indianapolis surprisingly signed the former New York Giants franchise quarterback hopeful to a one-year, $14 million contract to serve as the top competition for incumbent Anthony Richardson.
Although depending on who you’re asking, many Colts fans are hoping that Jones doesn’t play at all because unless there was a Jones’ injury, that likely would mean Richardson has won the offseason starting quarterback job outright on the merits.
That could explain any potential diminished 2025 numbers as well.
Last year, Jones completed 216 of 341 pass attempts (63.3%) for 2,070 passing yards, 8 passing touchdowns, 7 interceptions during 10 starts before being benched, later waived, and then signing with the Minnesota Vikings in-season to backup starter Sam Darnold.
Like Richardson, he’s also struggled with inconsistency, turnovers, and injuries but offers at least a somewhat similar skill-set with his dual-threat mobility, meaning head coach Shane Steichen wouldn’t have to significantly alter his playbook and scheme for either starter.