The Indianapolis Colts have named veteran quarterback Daniel Jones as their starter for the 2025 NFL season, edging out rising talent Anthony Richardson in a closely contested training camp battle. Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced on August 19 that Jones will take the helm in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, signaling the team’s confidence in Jones’ experience and leadership.
Daniel Jones, 28, signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Colts this offseason after an up-and-down 2024 campaign that saw him move from the New York Giants to the Minnesota Vikings. Despite struggles last season, including being benched in New York and requesting release, Jones impressed Colts management enough in training camp to earn the starting nod. He now enters his seventh NFL year armed with over 14,500 passing yards and 70 touchdowns in his career, including a peak performance in 2022 when he led the Giants to the playoffs.
Anthony Richardson, the former No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, had previously earned the Colts’ starting job as a rookie. However, the competition in training camp this year proved challenging. Reports suggest that Richardson’s camp was taken aback by the decision, issuing a stern message to the Colts’ organization, underscoring their belief in Richardson’s potential and readiness to compete for the role.
Sources close to Richardson’s camp described the depth of preparation and competitiveness brought into the offseason and training camp, highlighting their disappointment but emphasizing their commitment to pushing forward. The camp remains confident that Richardson’s skills and growth trajectory make him an asset not just for the short term but as the cornerstone of the franchise’s future.
Coach Steichen stressed that while Jones will start the season, the team does not intend to employ a “short leash”. This indicates that the quarterback competition remains active if circumstances or performances warrant a change. Jones will be tasked with stabilizing the Colts offense early in the season and capitalizing on the fresh start opportunity after a challenging prior year.
The Colts’ decision reflects a strategic move to blend experience with youthful talent, hoping to advance beyond recent seasons’ setbacks. With Jones at the helm, backed by a promising young skill set in Richardson and a revitalized supporting cast, Indianapolis aims to make a significant impact in the competitive AFC South division.
The Week 1 game against the defending conference champions Miami Dolphins will mark the beginning of this new chapter for Jones and the Colts, as the team looks to build momentum and cohesion. Meanwhile, Richardson’s camp insists that their message is clear: the quarterback battle is far from over, and they are prepared to fight for every snap.