This is one of the most important offseasons in Indianapolis Colts history, but it has very little to do with the roster construction.
The importance is cultivated by the uncertainty surrounding quarterback Anthony Richardson’s future with the team.
The signal caller will be entering his third season, but a lack of progression has motivated the Colts to bring in some competition.
The team signed former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings midway through the season after being released by New York.
The Colts were made waves with their savvy secondary upgrades in free agency, but it’s the Jones signing that is being praised.
Pro Football Focus wrote about every NFL team’s best move in free agency, and they named the Jones signing for Indianapolis.
They cited the uncertainty about Richardson’s future and his injury history for why they view the signing in such a positive light.
Although the main reason for bringing in competition is that the former Florida quarterback hasn’t shown much progression, he missed four games due to injury last year and was knocked out of a handful of others.
This was on the heels of his rookie season where he missed the final 13 games after a devastating shoulder injury.
Jones is held in a similar light as a dual-threat quarterback who hasn’t shown much ability to be a consistent passer.
There was the 2022 season where the former Duke quarterback managed to secure a playoff berth with the Giants, but outside of that magic carpet ride, he’s failed to live up to expectations.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen has garnered a reputation for extracting maximum potential from his quarterbacks and this was evident in 2023 when the team narrowly missed the playoffs with Gardner Minshew II at the helm.
It’s this unique ability that has analysts wondering if Steichen can pull off the same magic with Jones.
There has been rumors that the former Giant already has the edge in the quarterback competition, but Indianapolis has committed to a battle through training camp, so it’s unlikely that we get clarity on that front anytime soon.
But in the meantime, the signing is intriguing and could very well prove to be a genius signing if Richardson continues to falter.
Related: Anthony Richardson’s Shocking Message to Colts Amid QB Controversy
