Colts pick Daniel Jones as Week 1 starter ahead of Anthony Richardson: Here are his contract details

The Indianapolis Colts have announced that Daniel Jones will start the season as starting quarterback, casting aside 2023’s first round pick Anthony Richardson.

The news came as a surprise to some, including ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who questioned Jones’ recent performances. Jones signed for the Colts as a free agent earlier this year, putting pen to paper on a one-year deal worth $14 million.

It was a real show of faith in Jones, handing him a deal worth more than the one-year contract the Pittsburgh Steelers gave to four-time NFL Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers. That was a hint at coach Shane Steichen’s willingness to give meaningful minutes to Jones.

“I think the guys have taken to him. He’s a great communicator with the guys. You can see that veteran presence out there. So, I’m excited for that,” Steichen said of Jones on Tuesday. “He’s our starting quarterback for the season. I don’t want to have a quick leash on that. I feel confident in his abilities.”

Jones was drafted by the Giants in 2019 but put up a record of 24-44-1 as a starter in six seasons with the team. He only once finished a season with a winning record in New York and managed just one postseason victory in that time.

However after a promising showing in 2022 he was given a massive $160 million, four-year contract extension with the Giants. He never proved good value for that deal and signed a short-term contract with the Minnesota Vikings in November 2024.

Now, he has the chance to reignite his career in Indianapolis. Still only 27, Jones undoubtedly has talent but he will need to show it with greater consistency if he is to play out the whole season as starter.

“I think that was obviously a big piece of why I came here, to be on the field and to be with this group,” Jones said after being as starter. “I think it’s a strong group of players, as I said, and a strong group of coaches, the system.

“I think there’s a lot of things here to be excited about, so yeah, I’m certainly happy I made the decision.”

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