The Indianapolis Colts made a bold move this offseason by signing former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones to a one-year, $14 million deal. Colts general manager Chris Ballard had previously stated that he intended to create an open competition at quarterback and reiterated it this week at the owners’ team meeting.
Ballard stated that Jones and Anthony Richardson would compete for the starting job in the OTAs, and whoever is consistent will get the nod in the regular season.
However, one analyst argues that it’s the dumbest approach and believes they should give Richardson a chance to start the entire season.
NFL Analyst Rips Colts Approach of QB Competition For Anthony Richardson
The Colts drafted Richardson 4th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and while he made an electric start to his NFL career, rushing for three touchdowns in his first two games, he missed most of the season due to injury.
After missing the rest of the 2023 season, Richardson returned as the Colts’ starter in 2024. However, his struggles continued, and controversy arose when he appeared to take himself out of a game due to fatigue. The decision reportedly frustrated some teammates and drew backlash from fans.
Still, the decision to bring in Jones was met with skepticism. His $14 million contract is more than what a typical backup earns but falls short of a true starter’s salary. The move has left some Colts fans frustrated with Ballard’s approach, including NFL analyst Matthew Berry, who called it the dumbest move of the season.
“This is, to me, the dumbest move of the season, and I just want to say here right now where Chris Ballard literally openly said to the shock of a lot of people where he was asked repeatedly, you mean that there’s an open QB competition for Anthony Richardson. Anthony Richardson is not guaranteed the starting job of the Colts, and that’s what Ballard said. We want to bring in a veteran QB, some that can compete in that QB room and open competition, and that’s what they have done.
Here’s the problem: they have got no plan. Daniel Jones is not leading you to a Super Bowl. Daniel Jones is leading you to a Wild Card loss. Like the best-case scenario is that Daniel Jones gets in the Wild Card round and maybe win that game. Maybe sneak out one win. He’s won a Wild Card game in his career, but the chances of Daniel Jones leading you to a Super Bowl are fairly slim.”
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) March 31, 2025
Berry argued that Jones was a decent QB, and predicted he would win the starting job over Richardson because he is a better “pro QB.” However, that would lead Indianapolis to back where they are this season without a Super Bowl-winning caliber QB.
“Daniel Jones is a perfectly fine professional QB. The issue is Anthony Richardson could be really special, he could also be a bust, we just don’t know. The Colts drafted Richardson, understanding he was a project. This is a kid who has played very little in Florida as a starting quarterback. He’s played less than 30 games in his college and pro career combined as a starting QB.
“My point is you used a top-five overall pick on Richardson, and you’re gonna bring Daniel Jones, and I bet you Daniel Jones wins this starting job because, at this stage of their careers, Jones is probably a better pro-QB. He’s more polished, Shane Steichen’s offense is actually a nice fit for Daniel Jones and would get him on the move outside the pocket. That’s not what you want.”
Berry highlighted the example of the Washington Commanders 2023 season when they faced a similar situation between Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett. The Commanders eventually started Howell and fell to a 4-13 season, giving them the No.1 overall pick.
Berry suggested the Colts do a similar thing in 2025, arguing that either Richardson would flourish as the franchise quarterback or he would turn out as Howell didand might land them a No.1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
But if they start Jones, he “is gonna get you eight nine wins, and then you are in QB hell because you’re not gonna be able to pick a good guy.”