Colts QB depth chart: What Daniel Jones signing means for Anthony Richardson in ‘open competition’

The Colts have made an addition to their 2025 quarterback room.

Indianapolis is finalizing deal with Daniel Jones in free agency, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Vikings and Colts were the two known contenders for Jones on the open market, and the former Giants starter has opted for Indy over a return to Minnesota.

The Colts already have some young talent at quarterback. Anthony Richardson, the team’s 2023 first-round pick, has flashed stardom at times, but he has also dealt with injuries and may not be fully prepared to lead a franchise quite yet. 

The Jones signing throws some major question marks into the Colts’ offense. Which passer will start in 2025 — Jones or Richardson? 

Here’s what to know about the Jones-Colts signing, plus a look at Indianapolis’ new quarterback depth chart as Jones and Richardson contend for the QB1 job.

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Daniel Jones contract details with Colts

Per Schefter, Jones has agreed to a one-year, $14 million deal with the Colts. 

Jones spent six seasons with the Giants, finding some success as the team’s starter after being drafted in 2019. However, as New York limped to a 3-14 record last season, it parted ways with Jones, allowing him to spend some time on Minnesota’s practice squad while learning under head coach Kevin O’Connell.

MORE: Everything to know about Daniel Jones’ deal in Indianapolis

Colts QB depth chart

After signing Jones, the Colts have just two quarterbacks on their roster for the time being. Joe Flacco and Sam Ehlinger were on the team last year, but both became free agents in the new league year.

The Jones signing immediately sets up a quarterback competition in Indianapolis, and there’s no true indication of which passer, Jones or Richardson, will get the keys to the offense in Week 1. For now, Richardson is listed as 1A here simply because he’s been with the Colts for two seasons already; he understands Shane Steichen’s offense and has impactful talent, even if the 22-year-old has struggled at times.

But Indianapolis dishing out a one-year, $14 million deal for Jones indicates it has further plans for the 27-year-old than just sitting on the bench. Jones is set to have a legitimate shot at becoming the Colts’ starting quarterback in 2025, as NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday that the team is preparing for “an open quarterback competition.” He added that Richardson is currently healthy and will not be seeking a trade, according to his agent.

Both Jones and Richardson will have something to prove in 2025, so it should be a back-and-forth quarterback competition. For now, neither has the upper hand, but if Richardson can prove he’s learned from his prior turnover and inefficiency issues, he should have a good chance at becoming QB1.

MORE: How Sam Darnold to Seattle, Daniel Jones to Indianapolis impacts Vikings’ QB room

Daniel Jones stats

Jones struggled through his final two seasons as a Giant, prior to being cut by the team and joining the Vikings. But earlier on in his career, he was a reliable quarterback option due to his mobility and efficiency.

Turnovers have been a problem for Jones though, so that could be an aspect of the Colts’ QB1 decision. Here’s a look at Jones’ career numbers, all of which came in New York.

Anthony Richardson stats

Like Jones, turnovers have been an issue in Richardson’s young career. However, he’s also flashed dominant upside as a rusher, with his 6-foot-4 frame making him one of the biggest quarterbacks in the league.

Richardson was benched for Flacco during the 2024 season as a result of his poor play. The two traded positions as QB1 and QB2 at various points.

Here’s a look at Richardson’s career stats, with both seasons coming as a Colt: