The Indianapolis Colts are looking to provide Anthony Richardson with viable competition in the quarterback room this offseason.
With Richardson’s career and future with the Colts hanging in the balance after two seasons, general manager Chris Ballard wants the 22-year-old quarterback to fight for his role as the starting quarterback.
One of the veteran options the Colts are reportedly targeting includes former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
Fowler also reported a handful of other names the Colts have their eyes on in free agency to help Richardson compete.
“As the Colts look for veteran quarterback options, names on their radar include Daniel Jones, Justin Fields, Trey Lance and Jacoby Brissett,” Fowler wrote. “I’ve heard Jones’ name more than once in regards to the Colts.”
Jones’ tenure with the Giants was far from stellar. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft never played at the level of a franchise quarterback. His best season in 2022 included a 67.2% completion rate, 3,205 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 92.5 passer rating. He did add 120 carries for 708 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns that season as well.
That season, and the playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings, earned Jones a four-year deal worth $160 million.
But Jones never got lose to those numbers again as his supporting staff crumbled, and the Giants parted ways with Saquon Barkley. Halfway through the 2024 season, the Giants benched and released Jones after he threw eight touchdown passes and seven interceptions in 10 games.
Relying on Jones to push Richardson as the latter’s backup isn’t a terrible idea. He has a similar mold and play style to Richardson, which means the offense wouldn’t have to change much.
But overspending for a player the team hopes will become the backup is a fine line to walk.
