This offseason, the Indianapolis Colts signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a one-year, $14 million deal. ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry picked the Jones addition as a bargain signing for Indy:
“The Colts signing quarterback Daniel Jones. The sixth overall pick in 2019, Jones arrives in Indianapolis with the expectation that he will challenge third-year pro Anthony Richardson for the starting role. Coming out of Minnesota, where he spent part of last season on the practice squad after his release from the Giants, coaches and teammates said Jones impressed on and off the field. In Indy on a one-year, $14 million deal, he could either prove himself as a starter or inspire improved play from Richardson.”
Some Colts fans weren’t exactly excited about Jones’ contract. But in today’s NFL, $14 million isn’t much for a quarterback.
Will Daniel Jones Prove to Be a Bargain Signing for the Indianapolis Colts?
A Rocky Start to His Career
The New York Giants selected Daniel Jones sixth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. When a quarterback is drafted that high, they’re supposed to become a star. However, that hasn’t been the case so far for Jones. The former Duke Blue Devil has not made a Pro Bowl during his six seasons in the NFL. Yet, Jones did lead the Giants to the playoffs during the 2022 campaign.
That 2022 season was the best of Jones’ career. He threw for 3,205 yards and 15 touchdowns that year. Jones also rushed for 708 yards and seven touchdowns. In addition, he powered New York to a 31-24 playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings. Jones threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns in that game while adding 78 rushing yards.
Daniel Jones then received a $160 million contract from the Giants. However, he never got the team back to the playoffs and never was much of an impact player. Last season, he was benched and eventually released. After signing with the Vikings, Jones never played a game with the team, serving as Sam Darnold’s backup.
The Colts’ Next Franchise Quarterback?
Speaking of Sam Darnold, he has gone from being a bust to a star. Drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, he bounced around the league until becoming a major contributor last year in Minnesota. Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks this offseason. The Vikings likely would’ve kept him around if they didn’t opt to build around 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.
Jones could “pull a Sam Darnold” and become a star in Indianapolis in 2025. Sometimes a change of scenery can make a huge difference. Just look at what Darnold and Baker Mayfield have done over the past few years.
The Colts brought in Jones to compete with Anthony Richardson. Richardson has struggled to become the team’s first franchise QB since Andrew Luck retired. He has failed to stay healthy and hasn’t improved as a passer.
If Daniel Jones can beat out Richardson for the starting job and put together a great 2025 season, his signing will certainly be considered a bargain. It will be interesting to see if “Danny Dimes” can emerge as Indy’s franchise quarterback.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports
