Report: Daniel Jones named starting QB for Indianapolis Colts over Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis will have a new starting quarterback when they host the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 of the regular season.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen has named free agent acquisition Daniel Jones as Indianapolis’ starting quarterback over former first-round draft pick Anthony Richardson.

Here’s everything you need to know.

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Daniel Jones

Indianapolis signed Jones in March to a one-year contract worth $14 million, saying at the time that it would be an open competition between the former Giants quarterback and Richardson.

Drafted sixth overall by the Giants in 2019, Jones is attempting to resurrect his career after he was benched then released midway through last season. Jones then signed onto Minnesota’s practice squad, but never saw any game action.

Jones finished his tenure in New York with 69 games started, throwing for 14,582 yards with 70 touchdowns and 47 interceptions. He’s statistically dropped off significantly over the last two seasons, posting the lowest QBR marks of his career in 2023 (36.4) and 2024 (47.8).

Anthony Richardson

Richardson has struggled to live up to the hype after Indianapolis drafted him fourth overall in 2023. His first two seasons in the league have each been cut short early because of injury, but he’s also been inconsistent when he’s on the field.

This leaves Richardson’s future with the Colts in jeopardy. The decision to go with Jones comes despite Richardson having a solid training camp and pre-season, although he did deal with shoulder and finger injuries.

Richardson has been limited to 15 starts in his first two NFL seasons, throwing for 2,391 yards with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He’s added another 635 yards and 10 TDs on the ground.