Daniel Jones signs one-year deal with Colts amid quarterback competition
- Daniel Jones has signed a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts worth $14 million.
- His performance in New York was hindered by a lack of support, leading to questions about his potential.
- The Colts hope Jones can motivate Anthony Richardson and stabilize their quarterback position.
In the United States, former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts. This move was reported by a source familiar with the negotiations, who wished to remain anonymous since free agents cannot officially sign contracts until Wednesday of free agency week. The deal could be valued up to $17.7 million based on various performance incentives. Jones, who was previously drafted sixth overall in 2019, finished his tenure with the Giants with a lackluster record of 24 wins and 44 losses, along with one playoff victory. Jones's time in New York was marked by challenges, primarily due to a subpar supporting cast, which contributed to his inability to evolve into a franchise quarterback. His struggles were compounded by a playing style that tended toward being overly cautious, leaving questions about his potential at the Colts. The Colts' management, however, remains hopeful that he can serve as a capable starter and possibly mentor their fourth overall pick in 2023, Anthony Richardson. Jones’s addition to the Colts is part of an effort to provide Richardson with competition and motivate him to enhance his performance. General Manager Chris Ballard previously stated that while Richardson has shown flashes of talent, consistency is vital for his development. Richardson’s experience in the NFL has been mixed; he has faced injuries and recorded the lowest completion rate among starting quarterbacks last season. Despite these challenges, the Colts organization is keen on giving Richardson a chance to establish himself, although the presence of Jones could increase pressure on Richardson to perform well right away. Historically, the Colts have seen various quarterbacks take advantage of opportunities at pivotal moments. For instance, Gardner Minshew nearly led the Colts to the playoffs in 2023, further inspiring the team's decision to bring in Jones for competition. As the NFL prepares to enter a new season, the Colts will be watching closely to see if this new addition can revitalize their quarterback situation while offering the guidance Richardson needs as he continues to learn and grow in the league.