The Athletic recently forecasted that the Colts will acquire a free agent quarterback. Which one did they touch down on?
As free agency approaches, Mike Jones of The Athletic took out his crystal ball and forecasted one free agent that every team will acquire. For the Indianapolis Colts, Jones chose quarterback Daniel Jones.
After the NFL combine, rumors have emerged that the Colts are eyeing Jones as their primary target to enhance competition at the position for Anthony Richardson.
In the 2019 NFL draft, the New York Giants selected Jones as the sixth overall choice. He was part of the team until about the mid-point of the 2024 season, when he was let go and subsequently joined the Minnesota Vikings practice squad.
Jones has played 69 games in his NFL career, achieving a completion percentage of 64% with an average of 6.5 yards per throw, totaling 70 touchdowns and 47 interceptions.
“Jones’ stay in New York concluded with a late November departure, and he dedicated the remainder of 2024 to learning from Kevin O’Connell while being buried on the Vikings’ depth chart,” wrote Jones. “Considering the uncertainties surrounding Anthony Richardson, the Colts aim to bring in an additional quarterback, and Jones appears to be a fitting choice.” He won’t cost a fortune, and after joining and initially learning from Richardson, the 2019 first-round selection might earn playing time as a trial starter if Richardson keeps having difficulties.
Colts’ GM Chris Ballard explicitly stated at the NFL combine that there will be an “open competition” for the starting quarterback position this season. Regarding the addition of competition for Richardson, “all options are being considered.”
Jones may not be the most thrilling addition, but he aligns with what the Colts need in a rather restricted quarterback free agency landscape. Jones possesses prior experience, the team won’t exceed the salary cap significantly by adding him, and this signing won’t undermine the competition as bringing in Sam Darnold might.
The Colts hope Richardson will thrive and think that the competitive aspect can enhance his performance. Nonetheless, in contrast to the previous year, the Colts seek for those starting snaps to be deserved.
“Everything is under consideration,” Ballard remarked at the NFL combine regarding the addition of a quarterback to compete. “The competition will be open, and it needs to feature someone who can genuinely compete from a production perspective as well.”