Though the Indianapolis Colts made several big signings this week, but the one that made the most waves by far was the signing of Daniel Jones. Brought in specifically to compete with Anthony Richardson for the QB1 job, Jones signed a one-year deal for $14 million. He previously played for the New York Giants before signing with the Minnesota Vikings, and had one breakout season in 2022. He never quite recaptured that success, and like Richardson, has 2025 to prove he has what it takes to be a starting quarterback.
Richardson already responded to the Jones signing, saying he was ready for the competition. But how did Jones respond?
During his first press conference, Jones was asked specifically what this thoughts about Richardson are, and he answered diplomatically, while making it clear that he's also ready to fight for his job.
"It's an opportunity to come in and compete. And yeah, I'm looking forward to that," he said. "I think I've had a lot of fun, a lot of respect for Anthony. Watching him, I think he's certainly a talented young player. And I think the competition aspect of it brings out the best in everybody. And I just, I think we're both interested in helping this team win games, and whatever we can do to help that happen."
He also indicated that he is going to be gunning for the starting position, and that his time at QB2 in Minnesota helped him prepare and learn.
"That's why we prepare, why we go through all this is to play, is to be on the field and do that. So not doing that was tough, but at the same time, I do feel like I learned a lot. And it was a valuable experience for me to be in Minnesota with those guys, and watch, and practice, be in the meetings, go about it, and see it from that perspective. I feel like I learned a lot. At the same time, you're struggling not being on the field. So I think everybody who puts on shoulder pads wants to be out there on the field and playing, so that's always a goal," he said, adding of the starting job,
"I think right now we're focused. It's just signed, and at this point, I gotta learn the system and catch up. Catch up to where this team is, and obviously, Coach Steichen's been here a while. The system's been in place, a lot of these guys know it and have played in it. So I've gotta catch up and do my part to get there, and that's kind of where I'm focused right now. But like I said, I'm looking forward to being here, being with the guys, and getting going."