The Colts made a bold decision on Tuesday, announcing Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback over Anthony Richardson Sr., who had been their starter for the previous two seasons.
As fans voiced their frustrations on social media, it also became clear that the Colts don’t have all that much of a benefit by starting Jones.
The 28-year-old is a more consistent passer than Richardson, sure, but with him under center, the Colts ceiling in 2025 isn’t all that high. In a season where anything less than a playoff berth is a failure and would spur the beginning of a complete organizational reset, there is no reason to not die on the Richardson hill as Indy’s potential with him is much higher.
With Richardson, you can play to win. With Jones, you’re playing not to lose.
Both head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard understand that their success is tied to the quarterback this season. Jones is on a one-year contract and is unlikely to be the future for the Colts at the position.
By opting to go with Jones, not only are they admitting they failed to properly develop Richardson, but they’re setting the organization back in their search for quarterback continuity.
All in all, the Colts have little to gain with Jones at the helm. Even less than his former team, the Vikings.
Depending on how much Jones plays this season in Indianapolis, Minnesota could receive a higher compensatory pick for losing him to free agency, a pick which can easily be used to find a player in next year’s draft to contribute from the get go.
So best case scenario for the Colts? Playoff berth, Jones returns in free agency but with little chance of becoming a long term answer.
For the Vikings? Receive an early day three pick as compensation, which is used to fill a roster spot and improve depth anywhere on the roster.
One outcome is a sure thing. The other is not at all guaranteed.