Colts name Daniel Jones starting QB

The Colts have settled their quarterback competition, naming Daniel Jones as the team’s starter for the 2025 season.

Indianapolis kicks off its campaign against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 7, with Jones set to lead the offense. The decision comes after a summer battle between Jones and Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Richardson wasn’t able to show enough progress in key areas to keep his starting role, opening the door for Jones—signed this offseason after his tenure with the Giants—to take over in Indianapolis.

While neither quarterback dominated during training camp, the staff leaned toward Jones thanks to his steadiness in running the offense. His experience in handling pre-snap reads, protections, and overall decision-making stood out, even as both players showed some growth from the start of the preseason.

Jones’ veteran presence played a big role in the choice. He enters the year with six NFL seasons and 70 starts behind him, along with the one-year, $14 million contract the Colts handed him in March, nearly all of it guaranteed.

Richardson, meanwhile, endured another setback during the preseason when he dislocated his pinky against the Ravens on Aug. 7, limiting him to just a handful of snaps while Jones received extended playing time. The injury, combined with developmental needs, left Richardson starting the year in a familiar position—healthy but serving as the backup behind a more seasoned quarterback.