The Indianapolis Colts are heading into the 2025 NFL season with a quarterback battle that few expected. Anthony Richardson, the team’s high-upside fourth overall pick from the 2022 NFL Draft, is still the projected starter, but things might not be that simple.
Veteran quarterback Daniel Jones, who signed with Indianapolis in free agency earlier this year, is beginning to make waves as a potential replacement if Richardson fails to meet expectations. According to NFL reporter Henry McKenna of Fox Sports, there’s already buzz that the Colts could hand the reins to Jones sooner than expected.
“I think the Colts are going to get nervous about Anthony Richardson’s lack of development,” McKenna wrote. “The leadership team is on the hot seat. If Richardson struggles, Indy could justify giving the job to a more stable option—Jones.”
McKenna included Jones on a list of six quarterbacks who could be up for serious contract talks after this season. His projection? If Jones wins the starting job and performs well, he might position himself for a raise that pushes him into the $40 million per year conversation.
> “He’ll probably start 12 to 15 games,” McKenna wrote. “During that time, he may post solid enough numbers for the Colts to consider a short-term QB1 deal—maybe two years. But what do you pay him? Baker Mayfield money? Geno Smith money?”
It’s a bold prediction, especially considering how things ended for Jones with the Giants.
The Price Tag That Still Haunts New York
Daniel Jones was once viewed as the face of the New York Giants, signing a massive four-year, \$160 million contract extension in March 2023. That deal included \$92 million in guaranteed money.
Unfortunately for both sides, it didn’t work out.
Jones played just six games in the season following the deal, throwing two touchdown passes and six interceptions before suffering an ACL tear that ended his year. The following season, he returned for 10 games but couldn’t recapture his earlier form. The Giants ultimately released him after a Week 10 loss to the Carolina Panthers in the NFL’s first-ever regular season game held in Munich, Germany.
The fallout from that decision was costly. New York let star running back Saquon Barkley walk, lost cap space flexibility, and got very little return on a massive financial commitment.
A Comeback Plan That Mirrors Justin Fields?
Despite the history, Jones may not be done yet. McKenna believes that even if the Colts don’t make a long-term commitment, a raise is still in the cards—something in the range of \$20 million annually if he manages to stabilize the offense.
A similar case can be found in New York, though with the Jets this time. The Jets recently took a chance on former Bears quarterback Justin Fields. After an underwhelming run in Chicago, Fields signed a two-year, \$40 million deal with the Jets, where he’s now in position to compete and possibly take over.
Jones could follow that same path.
If he ends up starting the majority of the season and puts together respectable numbers, he could earn a contract in that same ballpark: a short-term, mid-tier QB deal that allows both sides some flexibility.
Will Indianapolis Take That Chance?
While Richardson remains the long-term hope in Indianapolis, the front office and coaching staff may not have the luxury of waiting. If the team opens the season slowly and Richardson isn’t developing quickly enough, the pressure could mount fast.
And Daniel Jones, a quarterback who has both failed and flashed potential, might just be in the right place at the right time to take advantage of the opportunity.
But is he worth $40 million again?
That’s the big question—and one that could define the Colts’ 2025 campaign.
