Colts GM: Richardson, Jones have 'a lot of similarities'

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard believes his quarterback room is going to bring out the best in Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.

"Competition brings out the best in anybody," Ballard said. "It's a competitive league. We're not just bringing in anybody. It had to be someone really going to be able to challenge Anthony. I think it's going to go both ways. I think Anthony will challenge Daniel also."

He added: "We thought Daniel's skill set and Anthony's skill set, there's a lot of similarities there. So offensively, I think that's going to help our offensive staff, say 'OK, we don't have to make these wholesale changes with one guy or the other. We got to make the best decision for the team. Whatever the outcome is, the outcome is based off performance.'"

Jones signed a one-year, $14-million deal with the Colts in free agency and will compete with Richardson for the starting job. The fourth overall pick of the 2023 draft, Richardson struggled with consistency and injuries across his first two seasons in the NFL. He was benched, missed time due to injury, and has more interceptions (13) than passing touchdowns (11).

However, both quarterbacks have shown the ability to be dual-threat weapons. Richardson has rushed for 10 touchdowns over two seasons, while Jones has 15 career rushing touchdowns. The latter rushed for a career-high seven touchdowns and 708 yards as a member of the New York Giants in 2022.

"I think he's a really good fit for what we wanna do and who he is as a person and who he can be as a player," Ballard said.

Richardson made 11 starts last season, going 6-5 with eight passing scores and 12 picks. Veteran pocket-passer Joe Flacco started the other six contests and held a 2-4 mark with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Jones was drafted sixth overall by the Giants in 2019. He was waived during the 2024 season after being benched and finishing the campaign with the Minnesota Vikings. He did not appear in any games in Minnesota.