Daniel Jones is getting a second shot as a starter.
The Colts named the ex-Giants quarterback as their starter on Tuesday following an offseason battle against Anthony Richardson, the team’s fourth overall pick in 2023.
“He’s the starting quarterback for the season,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said Tuesday. “I don’t want to have a short leash on that.”
A first-round pick by the Giants in 2019, Jones spent a rollercoaster five-and-a-half seasons in New York before being released by the team last November.
The breaking point came after a putrid 2-8 start to the franchise’s celebratory 100th season.
Through 80 regular-season appearances with the Giants, Jones tossed 78 touchdowns against 54 interceptions for 16,652 yards. He added 17 rushing touchdowns.
The 28-year-old quarterback finished the 2024 season with the Vikings — mostly on the practice squad — before signing a one-year, $14 million contract with the Colts in free agency.
In two preseason appearances for Indianapolis, Jones hasn’t thrown a touchdown or an interception.
He got off to a shaky start in training camp, with The Athletic reporting the former Duke product and Richardson, 23, struggled “to find a rhythm” in late July.
Richardson has not played a full NFL season, largely due to injuries and inconsistent play.
He was sidelined for much of his rookie season in 2023 after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery that October.
Richardson appeared in 11 games during his sophomore campaign, famously tapping out during a Week 8 loss to the Texans because he needed a break.
The Colts benched Richardson following the controversial move, only for him to start again later in the year.
Richardson has thrown 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions through 15 games for Indianapolis.
The Colts open the season on Sept. 7 at home against the Dolphins.
