The Indianapolis Colts did not waste much time trying to find a veteran quarterback who could push Anthony Richardson for his starting job, and they seem to have found the right man for the job when they agreed to a one-year contract with former New York Giants starter Daniel Jones.
While Jones is not guaranteed to be the starter, he will be able to light a fire under Richardson. With the AFC South regarded as one of the worst divisions in the league, the Colts might be able to light a fire under the reigning champion Houston Texans if they get efficient play from their quarterback.
While their depth chart is far from finalized, the Colts do have enough talent on this squad to get fans excited. The Jones signing, if he becomes the best version of himself, could end up being what takes this team to the next level.
Updated Indianapolis Colts depth chart after Daniel Jones signing
Position | Starter | 2nd | |
|---|---|---|---|
QB | Anthony Richardson | Daniel Jones | |
RB | Jonathan Taylor | Tyler Goodson | |
WR | Michael Pittman Jr. | Adonai Mitchell | |
WR | Josh Downs | Ashton Dulin | |
WR | Alec Pierce | Anthony Gould | |
TE | Drew Ogletree | Jelani Woods | Will Mallory |
LT | Bernhard Raimann | Blake Freeland | |
LG | Quenton Nelson | Danny Pinter | |
C | Tanor Bortolini | Wesley French | |
RG | Dalton Tucker | ||
RT | Braden Smith | Matt Goncalves |
The strength of this offense is still their very deep wide receiver room, as either Jones or Richardson will have multiple promising young receivers like Josh Downs and Adonai Mitchell to lean on. The left side of the offensive line remains a strength thanks to Quenton Nelson.
The right side of this offensive line will need to be addressed sooner rather than later, as center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries both left to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. Tanor Bortolini could step into a starting role, but right guard needs some major improvements.
The tight end spot, which will be even weaker than it was last year after Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson hit the free agent market, must be improved to give Richardson and Jones a safety blanket over the middle. Luckily, the 2025 NFL Draft is a perfect place to get reinforcements thanks to a very deep class.
The Colts don't have a wasteland devoid of talent on this side of the ball, but they do need the right quarterback to make all these pieces come together. If Richardson proves he can't be that guy this season, Jones will get his chance to supplant him and evolve into a quality starter.