A few weeks ago at the NFL Combine, Colts general manager Chris Ballard was clear about his team's plans for a quarterback competition in 2025.
"It'll be open," Ballard said. "And of course, it's got to be somebody that can really challenge from a production standpoint."
Enter Daniel Jones, the six-year veteran and former top-10 pick, who officially signed with the Colts as a free agent on Thursday. The 27-year-old Jones brings 69 games of starting experience to the Colts' quarterback room, where he'll compete with 22-year-old incumbent Anthony Richardson to earn the Colts' QB1 gig this season.
The specifics of the Colts' plan for their quarterback competition will come into focus in the coming weeks and months, beginning with the offseason program (which kicks off April 21; OTA practices will be later in the spring) and then into training camp. Richardson has accepted the challenge, Ballard said, and Jones on Thursday said the Colts – with their planned open competition – were the "best fit" for him as a free agent.
"It's an opportunity to come in and compete," Jones said. "I'm looking forward to that. I have a lot of respect for Anthony, watching him — I think he's certainly talented young player. And I think the competition aspect brings out the best in everybody.
"I think we're both interested in helping this team win games and (doing) whatever we can do to help that happen."
View photos highlighting the career of quarterback Daniel Jones, who joins the Indianapolis Colts after signing in free agency.
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bengals defeated the Giants 17 - 7. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26 - 18. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) drops back to pass during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26 - 18. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles out of the pocket during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26 - 18. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26 - 18. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) talks with New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) after an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26 - 18. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles out of the pocket during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26 - 18. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles out of the pocket during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26 - 18. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26 - 18. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26 - 18. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26 - 18. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) yells out before the snap during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) stands for the national anthem during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Giants 26-18. (Lauren Bacho via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs for yards during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia,Eagles, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Eagles defeated the Giants 28-3. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP Images)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) calls out signals prior to the snap of the football during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bengals defeated the Giants 17-7. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) talks with New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bengals defeated the Giants 17 - 7. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) drops back to pass during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bengals defeated the Giants 17 - 7. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles out of the pocket during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bengals defeated the Giants 17 - 7. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bengals defeated the Giants 17 - 7. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) drops back to pass during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) reacts after a play during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Seattle. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 29-20. (Alika Jenner via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks on during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Seattle. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 29-20. (Alika Jenner via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Seattle. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 29-20. (Alika Jenner via AP)
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) grabs New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during the game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Cleveland. The Giants defeated the Browns 21-15. (Lauren Bacho via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) hands off to running back Devin Singletary (26) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in East Rutherford, NJ. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 20-15. (James D. Smith via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles out of the pocket during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) drops back to pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) lines up before a play during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) walks off of the field after an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 20-15. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles out of the pocket during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 20-15. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 20-15. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) hands the ball off during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 20-15. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 20-15. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) rolls out to throw a pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 20-15. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) prepares for the snap during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 20-15. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) drops back to pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones (13) warms up prior to an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 in Glendale, Ariz. (Brooke Sutton via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass while warming up before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Cleveland. The Giants defeated the Browns 21-15. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks on from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 14 - 3. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 14 - 3. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) leads a huddle prior to an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 14 - 3. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) talks with New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) prior to the start of the NFL game, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, NJ. The Jets defeated the Giants 13-10. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
NFL referee Adrian Hill (center) conducts the pregame coin toss with New York Giants captain Daniel Jones (left) and Dallas Cowboys captains Tony Pollard (20), C.J. Goodwin (29) and DeMarcus Lawrence (90) before an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 40-0. (James D. Smith via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) smiles as he warms up during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023 in Las Vegas. The Raiders defeated the Giants 30-6. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023 in Las Vegas. The Raiders defeated the Giants 30-6. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks on during the anthem before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) interacts with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) arrives before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) gets sacked by Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Cameron Young (93) during an NFL football game on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Seahawks won 24-3. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers won 30-12. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins defeated the Giants, 31-16. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks at plays on a wristband during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins defeated the Giants, 31-16. (Logan Bowles via AP)
A detail view of a Wilson football as New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass prior to an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins defeated the Giants, 31-16. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during player introductions during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during pregame workout during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs with the football during the NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Seahawks defeated the Giants 24-3. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs with the football during the NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Seahawks defeated the Giants 24-3. (Kathryn Riley via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) carries the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) drops back to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) walks through the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes as he warms up prior to an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 in Santa Clara, Calif. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) passes during an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 in Santa Clara, Calif. (Michael Owens via AP)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones (13) warms up prior to an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 in Glendale, Ariz. (Brooke Sutton via AP)
Jones started 10 games for the New York Giants in 2024 before being released in November; he completed 63.3 percent of his passes for 2,070 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions while the Giants went 2-8 in those games. Shortly after being released, Jones caught on with the Minnesota Vikings; he spent the rest of the regular season on Minnesota's practice squad and was signed to their active roster for the playoffs, though he didn't see game action as Sam Darnold's backup.
"I'm still very confident in my ability to play at a high level, to play quarterback at a high level in this league," Jones said. "I think there's a lot of really good football ahead of me. Understand there's a lot to learn, a lot to grow with I think as there always is. That's what I'm focused on, that's what you're chasing."
Jones added he felt like he learned a lot from the end of his time with the Giants and his month-and-a-half with the Vikings. He hadn't sat for non-injury reasons since his rookie season before the Giants benched and released him; that experience, he said, was both challenging and informative as he now moves forward in Indianapolis.
"You want to be on the field, right, you want to be competing," Jones said. "That's why we prepare, that's why we go through all this is to play, to be on the field and do all that. Not doing that was tough but at the same time I do feel like I learned a lot and it was a valuable experience for me to be in Minnesota with those guys, and watch and practice, be in meetings, go about it and see it from that perspective. I feel like I learned a lot. At the same time, you're struggling not being on the field. I think everybody who puts on shoulder pads want to be out there on the field and playing. That's always the goal."
