The Indianapolis Colts quarterback competition between incumbent starter Anthony Richardson and newly signed free agent Daniel Jones officially has a kickoff date. During the NFL‘s annual league meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed the two quarterbacks will split first-team reps beginning with organized team activities (OTAs) on April 21.
The Colts have struggled to find stability at the position since Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement in 2019. Indianapolis cycled through ten different starters in six seasons, including Matt Ryan, Carson Wentz, and Philip Rivers.
Steichen’s approach reflects a desire to end that trend by fostering competition between Richardson, a promising but inconsistent young talent, and Jones, a 27-year-old Comeback Player of the Year finalist looking to rejuvenate his career.
Anthony Richardson’s Development and Challenges as Indianapolis Colts QB
Since being drafted by the Colts fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, the 22-year-old Richardson has missed 19 games due to injuries and was briefly benched in 2024 for poor preparation. In 2024, he posted a completion percentage of just 47.7%, the worst in franchise history, with eight touchdown passes against 12 interceptions. The former Florida Gator finished 37th in PFSN’s QB+ rankings, receiving an F grade.
Despite Richardson’s struggles, Steichen expressed confidence in Richardson’s potential but stressed the need for improvement. “The talent is undoubtedly there,” Steichen said. “We are simply seeking that consistency on a daily basis.”
At the NFL Scouting Combine in late February, Colts GM Chris Ballard revealed that Indianapolis would bring in a veteran to create “real competition” for Richardson.
Daniel Jones’ Fresh Start With The Colts
Jones signed a one-year, $14 million deal with Indianapolis after his midseason release from the New York Giants and his stint as a backup to then-Minnesota Vikings starter Sam Darnold.
The former sixth overall pick in the 2019 draft has endured a volatile career. Jones led the struggling Giants to a playoff victory in 2022, but in the two seasons after signing a massive contract extension, he failed miserably en route to a 3-13 record. In 2024, Jones finished 32nd on PFSN’s QB+ rankings, receiving a D grade. With the Colts, Jones has the opportunity to kick-start his redemption arc.
Steichen praised Jones’ dual-threat ability and high football IQ, describing him as “a very capable passer” who can also excel in zone-read situations.
The signing prompted former NFL QB Dan Orlovsky to fuel trade rumors in a post on X, stating, “That’s a lot of money for the chance to start. Richardson ask for a trade?” Another former NFL QB, Chase Daniel, questioned the signing, calling it “a head-scratcher.”
On “The Rich Eisen Show,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Anthony Richardson’s camp offered its stance on the quarterback competition, revealing, “Anthony doesn’t care if they bring in Joe Montana—like, he’s going to go win that job.”
Colts HC Shane Steichen’s Vision for the Starting QB Competition
When asked how he’d determine who wins the Colts starting quarterback battle, Steichen responded, “It’s going to come down to who’s the most consistent and who’s the most productive. That individual will become the starter.” The third-year Colts coach also noted that there’s no specific timeline for naming a starter, suggesting the competition could extend into training camp and the preseason.
From the NFL annual meeting here in Palm Beach:
Colts coach Shane Steichen says Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson will split starting reps beginning in OTAs and the most consistent QB will be the regular season starter.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 31, 2025
Steichen remains optimistic about what this competition could bring out of both players. “Competition elevates everyone’s performance,” he said. Whether Richardson fulfills his potential or Jones rediscovers his form, the Colts hope this process will finally provide them with stability at the position.