ClutchPoints
The Indianapolis Colts have long been a team in search of stability at quarterback. For the past few years, the team has cycled through stopgap starters and risky experiments. Sadly, none have delivered long-term success. Now, in what should be a crucial developmental season for 2023 first-rounder Anthony Richardson, the Colts are rolling the dice once again. This time, they have former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. In a year that demands clarity and cohesion, this move instead brings confusion and controversy.
The Colts entered the 2025 offseason needing to patch several leaks. The most notable ones were on the back end of their defense and the interior of their offensive line. The team finished near the bottom of the league in defending deep passes in 2024. That made their signing of safety Camryn Bynum a logical, if expensive, solution. Sure, the $15 million per year price tag raised eyebrows. However, Bynum’s age (27) and upside could ultimately make him worth the investment.
In the secondary, they also added Charvarius Ward. He is hoping to bounce back to his 2023 form after a forgettable 2024. If he delivers, the Colts may finally have the lockdown corner they’ve lacked since the days of Vontae Davis.
However, Indy’s offensive line took a major hit with the departures of center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries. Yes, 2024 draftees Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves provide potential replacements. That said, they’re unproven and the unit is now dangerously thin.
On the positive side, the Colts’ 2025 draft class could inject some much-needed spark. Tight end Tyler Warren from Penn State offers a dynamic, do-it-all weapon that this offense sorely nees. On defense, edge rusher JT Tuimoloau adds reliability to a pass rush that ranked 28th in pressure rate last season. With Samson Ebukam returning from injury and Laiatu Latu entering Year 2, the defensive line is in a better place than it was a year ago.
Despite these solid additions, one move stands out—not for its potential upside, but for how little it aligns with the Colts’ long-term vision.
No move this offseason raised more questions than the Colts signing Daniel Jones to compete with Anthony Richardson. Of course, competition can be a good thing. However, this one seems misguided at best, and potentially destructive at worst.
Let’s start with the obvious: Jones has had one season in his entire career that could be called remotely impressive. That 2022 campaign under Brian Daboll featured 15 passing touchdowns, seven rushing touchdowns, and a playoff win. Even then, though, Jones ranked 21st in passer rating and threw for just 200 yards per game. It was more “not bad” than “breakout.” In the years since, Jones has regressed significantly. This culminated in a midseason release by the Giants in 2024.
There’s little to suggest he can be anything more than a serviceable backup at this point in his career. So why bring him...
