Expected Colts QB signing runs counter to 2025 offseason objective

Jones, the No. 6 pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, was released by the Giants during the 2024 season after going 2-8 in 10 starts. Jones is 3-13 in his last 16 starts dating back to the start of the 2023 season. During that span, he posted a 64.7% completion percentage and threw for 2,979 yards (5.9 yards per attempt), 10 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while being sacked 59 times.

After a difficult second NFL season, Richardson told reporters that he welcomed the Colts adding competition at quarterback this offseason.

Since 2000, Richardson's 47.7% completion percentage in 2024 was the third-worst among quarterbacks with at least 250 pass attempts. He threw eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions, infamously pulled himself from a Week 8 loss to the Texans and was benched for two games. 

"I'm a natural competitor," Richardson said, per Colts.com. "...So if the team feels like that's the right direction we want to go in, I'm all for competing."

A month later at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Colts general managers Chris Ballard told reporters, "We want to create real competition."

How much "real competition" can someone with Jones' resume provide? Per NFL Pro data, Jones and Richardson tied for 32nd out of 36 qualifying quarterbacks in expected points added (EPA) per dropback (-0.14) in 2024. 

Both are much bigger threats running the ball. While not nearly as explosive as Richardson, Jones has 2,179 rushing yards since 2019, the sixth-most among quarterbacks during that span. (h/t Stathead)

If asked to start, Jones would be a better facsimile of what head coach Shane Steichen wants to do with Richardson than Joe Flacco, last year's backup.

But it's hard to see Jones winning a quarterback battle with Richardson. Barring injury, he'll likely only start if Steichen has seen enough of Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Indianapolis needed another option at quarterback if Richardson's struggles continue, but nothing in Jones' recent background suggests he should be a serious contender to usurp Richardson on the depth chart before Week 1 in September.

So much for competition.