Earlier this offseason, Colts head coach Shane Steichen mentioned that the assessment of Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will start during spring practices. He provided additional information regarding the team’s quarterback battle at the start of OTAs.
“We’re dividing the reps,” Steichen mentioned (according to a team transcript) when queried about how the workload will be shared between Richardson and Jones during Organized Team Activities. “I believe we have nine solid practices through OTAs.” Each will receive around 170 reps each with those players, rotating between the starters and backups.
Richardson quickly assumed starting responsibilities as a newcomer, even with his restricted playing time in college. The Florida athlete played just four games before enduring a shoulder injury that ended his season, restricting his opportunity for development at the NFL level. In 2024, Richardson faced ongoing accuracy issues, recording a completion rate of merely 47.7%, and at one stage during the season, he was substituted by Joe Flacco. Flacco’s exit left Indianapolis seeking a new experienced player to manage QB1 responsibilities.
This led to the Jones agreement. His one-year contract has a base worth of $14MM, almost entirely of which is guaranteed. There are also incentives that could boost the former Giant’s earnings in 2025 and possibly enhance his market value by next spring. Certainly, a prolonged stint with Jones leading the depth chart would signal that Richardson could not secure the starting role in Year 3.
The team would not appreciate such a development after selecting Richardson as the fourth overall pick in 2023. Once the upcoming season concludes, a choice will have to be made regarding the 23-year-old’s fifth-year option. Exercising it would maintain Richardson in position until 2027, though a significant advancement will be necessary for this commitment to be practical. In the interim, he will focus on getting ready for a successful campaign and surpassing Jones.
Halfway through his unsuccessful Giants extension, the former No. 6 selection was released. Jones secured a contract with the Vikings to end the year, but – similar to Sam Darnold – he left for the open market in pursuit of a better opportunity to start as a quarterback again. A route to that position is evident in Indianapolis, and it will be intriguing to observe if the equal distribution of reps produces a definitive frontrunner for the QB1 role soon.