Colts name Daniel Jones as new starting quarterback

The Indianapolis Colts have named veteran, former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones as their starting QB for Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season.

The decision, announced by head coach Shane Steichen on Tuesday, follows a competitive training camp where Jones, formerly of the New York Giants, demonstrated greater consistency and command of the offense, beating out 2023 No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson.

Jones, who signed with the Colts in the offseason after a tumultuous tenure with the Giants, completed 68.8% of his passes in preseason games, throwing for 412 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. His experience and poise under pressure reportedly tipped the scales in his favour over Richardson, whose athleticism and raw talent have yet to translate into consistent production.

The move raises serious questions about Anthony Richardson’s long-term future with the franchise. The 23-year-old quarterback, once heralded as the Colts’ cornerstone, has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency, posting a career 50.6% completion rate and struggling with turnovers in limited starts. While Steichen emphasised that Richardson remains “a big part of our plans,” the decision to start Jones suggests the team is prioritising immediate results over developing their young prospect.

Fans and analysts are divided on what this means for Richardson’s career in Indianapolis. Some see it as a temporary setback, with the dual-threat quarterback still possessing the potential to reclaim the starting role, while others view it as a sign that the Colts may be losing faith in Richardson as their franchise quarterback, especially if Jones performs well early in the season.

With the Colts facing a tough AFC South, the pressure is on for both quarterbacks to prove their worth in 2025.