The Indianapolis Colts are entering a pivotal offseason with a quarterback battle that nobody saw coming a year ago.
After investing a top-five pick in Anthony Richardson, the franchise now finds itself splitting first-team reps with Daniel Jones, a veteran most recently with the Vikings. And according to head coach Shane Steichen, the competition is very real.
Steichen Makes QB Battle Clear: It’s ‘Open Competition’ in Indy
The Colts didn’t draft Anthony Richardson fourth overall in 2023 to be a backup. But after injuries derailed his rookie season and Joe Flacco took over, the team’s confidence in the young quarterback appears tempered, at least for now.
“We’re breaking down the reps,” Steichen told reporters. “They are both getting one reps. They’re both getting two reps. I think through OTAs, we’ve got nine good practices. They’ll both get about 170 reps a piece with those guys, with the ones and twos, and we’ll flip-flop them.”
That flip-flopping, as Steichen explained, is by design. Rather than alternate days, the Colts are structuring practices based on down situations, ensuring that both quarterbacks get equal exposure across various game scenarios.
The structure could be critical for Jones, who signed a one-year, $14 million contract with Indianapolis this offseason. After being released by the Giants midseason and finishing the year in Minnesota, Jones is in a prove-it stretch of his career.
While many still expect Richardson to win the job, Steichen was quick to emphasize improvement on both sides; noting that the 6’4”, 244-pound signal-caller has made noticeable strides in the offseason.
“I think every year the fundamentals and technique continue to get better,” Steichen said. “We’re working through those, but I’ve seen strides in that area since this spring and into practice today.”
What’s Next for the Colts’ Quarterback Room?
Richardson entered the league with sky-high expectations, with many comparing him to a young Cam Newton due to his physical gifts and dual-threat capability. But as with Newton, durability is becoming part of the conversation. The Colts are clearly preparing themselves with a backup plan, one that now features a highly motivated veteran in Jones.
Jones, once one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL, finds himself in a different spotlight; battling to prove he still belongs as a starter. If he can outperform Richardson during OTAs and training camp, there’s a real path to QB1 status in Week 1.
Still, this remains Richardson’s job to lose. The Colts are betting that competition brings out the best in both. Whether that turns into long-term stability or another year of quarterback shuffle remains to be seen.
Can he grab on to it? If PFSN’s QB+ Metric is any indicator, it’s going to be a race to the bottom. Jones was ranked 32nd amongst all eligible QBs.
Analyst Ben Rolfe said, “Jones was pretty much bad at everything this season, and at this stage in his career, there’s not much positive that we can seek. The sad part is that this won’t even be Jones’ worst season as a starter in his career, with his 2021 season still having a lower QB+ score.
“Jones’ EPA/DB this season of -0.08 ranked 34th, and he was outside the top 25 both from a clean pocket (0.15 EPA/DB; 28th) and when pressured (-0.46 EPA/DB; 31st).”
As for Richardson, he was ranked 37th. Rolfe said, “The Colts are in a pickle at the end of Richardson’s second NFL season. Although he’s still a rookie in terms of games played (15), Indianapolis will face a decision on Richardson’s fifth-year option next offseason.
“At this point, it seems extremely unlikely they pick it up, with Richardson grading out above just two other qualified quarterbacks this season. He missed Week 17 and 18 due to another injury and has played in less than 50% of games in the last two years.
“The Colts have one more season to evaluate Richardson, but his poor play, combined with health concerns, doesn’t paint a positive picture.”
Rolfe continued, “The season-long numbers are a major concern for Richardson. Not many quarterbacks have a lower EPA/DB than his -0.13 (36th). He also ranks inside the bottom 10 in EPA/DB from a clean pocket (0.12; 30th) or when pressured (-0.53; 34th), and his 31.2% third-down conversion rate is 34th.
“Richardson’s TD/INT rate is 0.7, and he has nearly as many rushing touchdowns this season (six) as he does passing (eight).
“Hopefully, Richardson can make a jump in his third year. Yet, after missing most of his rookie season, 2025 will feel more like a second year for the young QB.”