The Indianapolis Colts have a quarterback dilemma on their hands — again — and thinking Daniel Jones is the solution might be the most dangerous illusion yet.
When news broke that Daniel Jones was taking first-team reps at Colts minicamp, a portion of the fanbase immediately leaned into optimism. After all, it’s been a long time since Indy had true stability at the quarterback position. And in Jones, they see a veteran with mobility, experience, and maybe — just maybe — untapped upside.
But let’s be real. History and numbers tell a different story.
A Fresh Start… But a Familiar Problem
Jones signed a one-year deal with the Colts in March 2025, a low-risk flyer for a franchise still figuring out what life looks like without a consistent QB1. With Anthony Richardson recovering and still developing, Jones was always going to get his shot. But are we forgetting who Daniel Jones really is?
This is the same quarterback the Giants gave $160 million in 2023 — only to cut bait after 16 underwhelming starts. That deal aged worse than room-temperature milk. By the end of his New York tenure, the Giants were starting Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock — and not as injury replacements, but by choice.
Jones didn’t just struggle — he spiraled. At one point, he had more pick-sixes than touchdown passes. The Giants may not be a model franchise, but that stat speaks volumes.
The Colts’ Track Record at QB Is Haunting
Even if you want to give Jones a clean slate, let’s not forget who’s handing it to him: Chris Ballard. The Colts GM has cycled through quarterbacks like TikTok trends — from Philip Rivers (briefly competent) to Carson Wentz (imploded) to Matt Ryan (disaster).
So now we’re supposed to believe Jones will finally be the one to stick? Based on what?
Yes, the Colts have a stronger receiving corps than in recent years. Yes, Shane Steichen’s system could make things easier for a QB with mobility and short-pass ability. But Jones hasn’t earned the benefit of the doubt. In fact, he’s statistically among the worst starting-caliber quarterbacks since he entered the league.
According to Fantasy Points Data:
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Jones and Anthony Richardson tied for the lowest depth-adjusted accuracy over expectation in 2024 (-7.1%).
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Among QBs with 2,000+ attempts since 2019, Jones ranks:
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Third-worst in completion percentage (64.1%)
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Dead last in passer rating (84.3)
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Last in touchdown percentage (3.1%)
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Last in passing yards per game (208.3)
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Let those numbers sink in. That’s not a quarterback about to break out — that’s one barely hanging on.
Could He Be Serviceable in Indy? Sure. A Savior? Doubtful.
In fairness, Jones could play better than he did in New York. The Colts came close to the postseason last year with Gardner Minshew, and it’s possible Steichen designs a QB-friendly system that leans on quick reads, RPOs, and safe throws. That’s probably Jones’ best-case scenario.
And if he earns the Week 1 starting job? Let him cook. The Colts open the season against the Miami Dolphins, and a strong performance could give the team momentum and give fans hope.
But let’s not confuse “competent for a few weeks” with “franchise quarterback.”
Final Word: Believe the Hype at Your Own Risk
Colts fans are starving for a quarterback they can believe in — and it’s understandable. But practice reports and optimism won’t erase six years of mediocrity. Daniel Jones has talent, but it’s always been paired with inconsistency, poor decision-making, and questionable durability.
If he turns things around, this post can join the freezing cold takes archive. But until then, let’s not crown a quarterback just because he isn’t the last failed one.
