The Colts have been linked to ex-Giants QB Daniel Jones by a number of mainstream NFL media members recently.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Indianapolis Colts remain a ‘logical fit’ for Minnesota Vikings free agent quarterback Daniel Jones (via Underdog NFL):
Schefter: Daniel Jones is a “logical fit” at QB for the Colts.
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) March 5, 2025
It’s the third time that the Colts have been linked to Jones through a member of the mainstream NFL media—joining both Schefter’s ESPN colleague Jeremy Fowler and NFL Network’s Rich Eisen respectively.
Originally the 6th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, the 27-year-old Jones completed 216 of 341 pass attempts (63.3%) for 2,070 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions during 10 starts for the New York Giants (the team that selected him) in 2024 before being benched, declared a healthy inactive, waived, and then signed by the Vikings as a backup.
He also has 2,179 total rushing yards and 15 rush touchdowns during his 6-year pro career.
Once the $160 million man by the Giants as their franchise quarterback hopeful, Jones has been slowed by injuries, inconsistency, and turnovers in more recent seasons.
What I like about the former Duke standout is his dual-threat mobility and starting experience (with 69 career starts for the Giants)—meaning he’d provide a veteran who can help the Colts run a similar offensive play calling scheme regarding RPOs and the running game that they already deploy with projected third-year starter Anthony Richardson.
He’d also play behind a much stronger offensive line collectively with the Colts than he would with the much maligned group he recently finished with as a member of the Giants.
What I don’t like is that he suffers through some of the similar issues that already periodically plague Richardson: injuries, accuracy, inconsistency, and turnovers.
The Colts could theoretically do a bit better for a backup quarterback such as Justin Fields—albeit at a higher free agency cost, however, they could also do worse than Jones with the likes of free agents Trey Lance, Zach Wilson, and even now, ex-Colt Gardner Minshew.
From that standpoint, maybe that’s how the Colts will ultimately land on Jones as the guy—meaning he makes the most sense for the potential price-tag.