The Indianapolis Colts officially named Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback for the 2025 NFL season, ending the preseason competition with Anthony Richardson.
Head coach Shane Steichen confirmed that Jones will enter Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins as QB1, signaling a major shift from Richardson, who was drafted fourth overall in 2023 but failed to secure the job. Steichen emphasized that Jones will not be on a “short leash,” affirming his commitment to the veteran to lead the offense.
Jones’ Consistency And Richardson’s Injuries Shape Colts’ Quarterback Decision For 2025 Season
The battle between Jones and Richardson was close in terms of performance, but neither quarterback significantly outshone the other in training camp. Ultimately, Jones’ consistency and experience swayed Steichen. The coach highlighted Jones’ ability to manage protections, make pre-snap checks, and deliver accurate passes, areas where Richardson still requires development.
The Colts’ $14 million investment in Jones this offseason also factored into the decision, making it logical to test him as the starter.
Daniel Jones (NFL)Richardson’s preseason was hindered by both inconsistency and injury. A dislocated pinky in the Aug. 7 game against the Ravens forced him out early, giving Jones more snaps and further tilting the competition.
This setback is part of a troubling pattern for Richardson, who lost most of his rookie season to a shoulder injury and endured additional health-related interruptions last year. Despite his athletic upside, Richardson has yet to prove he can stay healthy and develop into a reliable starter.
Richardson’s Struggles And Leadership Pressure Leave Colts’ Future At Critical Crossroads
The loss of the quarterback battle raises serious questions about Richardson’s future with the Colts. Entering the third year of his rookie contract, he faces mounting pressure to justify his draft position.
Though Jones has durability concerns of his own and may not last a full season, Richardson’s lack of progress and repeated injuries have diminished confidence in his ability to become the franchise cornerstone. If he does not make significant strides soon, Indianapolis could seek another solution at quarterback in 2026.
The quarterback decision also reflects the precarious situations of head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard. The Colts have not reached the playoffs in four years, and Ballard barely survived job termination last offseason.
Richardson was supposed to solve the team’s long-standing quarterback dilemma, but his struggles now put Ballard’s drafting strategy under scrutiny. Steichen, meanwhile, must prove that Jones can stabilize the offense and help elevate the team after two straight mediocre seasons.
For Indianapolis, 2025 represents a crossroads. If Jones delivers steady play, he could give the Colts a chance to compete and buy time for leadership to recalibrate their long-term quarterback strategy.
However, if Jones falters and Richardson fails to take advantage of another opportunity, the franchise could face another reset at the game’s most important position. With playoff appearances slipping further from reach, both the quarterback situation and leadership decisions will shape whether the Colts finally turn the corner or spiral into another rebuild.
