Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard was very clear in his claim that he would get extra veteran competition to light a fire under 2023 No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson, and they did just that by agreeing to a new contract with former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.
Jones, who signed a $160 million extension with the Giants that soon proved to be one of the worst contracts in NFL history, was cut by New York and signed a practice squad deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Jones parlayed that stint into a one-year, $14 million deal with the Colts.
This move is going to have severe ripple effects through the Colts organization, as it shows they aren't thrilled with how their young players are developing or their ability to build a winning team in a weak division.
Winners and losers from Indianapolis Colts signing Daniel Jones
Loser: Anthony Richardson
Let's get the obvious out of the way first. Richardson is not only on a short leash, but the amount of compensation the Colts gave to Jones is so large that Jones may have a shot to wrestle the starting job out of Richardson's grasp sooner rather than later if the flaws from last year are still there.
Any slip-up, be it in the preseason or regular season, could be enough for Jones to supplant Richardson as the starter. With Shane Steichen having already benched Richardson once in the past, it's clear that he won't tolerate any of Richardson's growing pains in his third season.
Winner: Josh Downs
Downs numbers when Joe Flacco was under center compared to when Richardson was back there are night and day, as Flacco proved to be a much more accurate and efficient passer from the pocket. If Jones ever has to relieve Richardson of his duties, Downs could be in for a production bump.
Jones has plenty of faults as a quarterback, but when he has a playmaker like Malik Nabers or Saquon Barkley, he knows hot to get them the ball. If Jones will ever get on the field, he'll probably be looking for Downs early and often.
Loser: Shane Steichen
Steichen has come close to the playoffs in both of his Colts seasons despite Richardson's roller-coaster play and injury problems, but it is becoming increasingly clear that both he and Ballard are in make-or-break seasons. Another season without a playoff appearance could bring about the end for Steichen in Indy.
Some coaches get handed ideal quarterback rooms they need to try hard to screw up. Steichen has been given such a messy situation that he may not be able to ever implement his perfect offensive vision.
Winner: Daniel Jones' agents
Jones clearly has some of the best agents in the business, as he has agreed to almost $200 million in three separate contracts throughout the course of his career despite production that would in no way suggest he should be paid anywhere close to that.
Jones has been a below-average starter for his entire career, but he agents have now convinced three separate GMs that he is worth some serious financial investment. They're earning that commission.