Daniel Jones Reportedly Has 'Significant Lead' Over Anthony Richardson for Colts' QB1

Daniel Jones could be under center for the Indianapolis Colts to start the 2025 NFL season.

James Boyd of The Athletic reported that the former New York Giants quarterback has built a "significant lead" over third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson after the team's spring workouts.

"Daniel Jones is QB1 (for now). The Colts signed the ex-Giants/Vikings quarterback in free agency to challenge Anthony Richardson for the QB1 title in Indy, and Jones has already taken a significant lead in what was supposed to be a wide-open quarterback competition," Boyd wrote.

Richardson aggravated a shoulder injury last month, with Boyd reporting that this "positions Jones to take over as the Week 1 starter." However, Richardson did tell 247Sports' Zach Goodall that he'd be ready for training camp.

Jones spent the last six seasons with the New York Giants but was released midway through the 2024 season. Prior to his release, he threw for 2,070 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions while leading the team to a 2-8 record. He was signed to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad following his release and eventually was promoted to the active roster but never appeared in a game.

While his last season in New York was disappointing, he has had moments in his career that show why he was the sixth pick in the 2019 NFL draft. His best season came in 2022 when he threw for 3,205 yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions while also adding 708 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He led the Giants to a Wild Card Round victory and was rewarded with a four-year, $160 million deal.

That contract did not age well, but the 28-year-old could enjoy a career renaissance with the Colts. Richardson has been projected to be the team's starter since he was taken fourth overall in the 2023 NFL draft, but injuries and inconsistency have plagued his early career.

Richardson threw for 1,814 yards with eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions while adding 499 yards and six touchdowns on the ground in 11 games for the Colts in 2024. While Indianapolis went 6-5 with him under center, more stability at the position could have helped the Colts soar higher in a weak AFC South.

Richardson should have an opportunity to win the job back when he returns, but positive momentum from Jones in the early stages shows that it may be a difficult task.