Horseshoe Huddle

Colts Amid Teams That 'Recognize Value' of Backup QB

The Indianapolis Colts signed Daniel Jones as a potential backup signal-caller.
Sean Ackerman|
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones (13) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones (13) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts agreed to terms with quarterback Daniel Jones on just the second day of the NFL's free agency tampering period. Jones is set to participate in a competition for the starting job with Anthony Richardson this offseason.

Jones, who will turn 28 this May, was cut by the New York Giants during the 2024 season and finished out the year as a backup for the Minnesota Vikings. His six years of professional experience was enough to convince Colts general manager Chris Ballard to bring him in for an open competition with Richardson.

Jones' deal is worth up to $17 million but is guaranteed over $13 million. In comparison, Joe Flacco was on a contract worth up to $8.7 million with just $4.5 million guaranteed.

Clearly, the Colts chose to spend noticeably more money on a safe backup quarterback. Sports Illustrated analyst Conor Orr complimented Indy, saying that they're one of few teams to notice the value of a backup quarterback.

"It’s also a good yearly practice to compliment the teams that recognize the value in a backup quarterback," wrote Orr. "... The Indianapolis Colts added Daniel Jones a year after having Flacco was similarly a move that at least takes away the unsavory proposition of starting a Nick Mullens–caliber player for a significant number of games."

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Colts fans know the pain of watching a backup. After Richardson's injury struggles through the first two years of his career, Indy has started a backup in 19 of their last 34 games. The last time Indy went an entire season without starting a backup was 2021, when Carson Wentz was under center for all 17 games.

If the Colts want to build any sort of consistency, having the same face in the huddle every play would be a good start. Indy needs Richardson and Jones to stay healthy in order to avoid any disaster in 2025.

Orr mentioned Nick Foles winning a Super Bowl when referencing the value of a backup quarterback. While that's probably not happening for the Colts, it's fun to think about the possibility of Jones stepping up for Indy while on a cheap one-year deal.

Watch for Jones and Richardson to duke it out over the offseason as the Colts prepare for the 2025 campaign.

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Sean Ackerman
SEAN ACKERMAN

Sean Ackerman is the co-Deputy Editor of Indianapolis Colts on SI. Ackerman, a graduate of Western Kentucky University, majored in broadcasting. He's in his third year covering the NFL.

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