Several former Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks are poised to take on starting roles with new NFL teams in the upcoming season. Sam Darnold, who had a brief stint with the Vikings, is set to start for the Seattle Seahawks. Daniel Jones, another quarterback who spent time with the Vikings, is now competing for the starting position with the Indianapolis Colts.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell has expressed optimism about Jones’s prospects with the Colts, noting that Jones has a clearer path to playing time in Indianapolis compared to his tenure in Minnesota. Barnwell highlighted that while Jones was perhaps overvalued in New York, he possesses the accuracy and rhythm needed to execute head coach Shane Steichen’s offense effectively. Barnwell also suggested that, due to potential injuries or performance issues, Anthony Richardson might yield the starting role to Jones at some point during the season, provided Jones remains healthy and consistent.
Jones joined the Vikings’ practice squad in late November 2024 after being released by the New York Giants. Despite being promoted to the active roster in January 2025, he did not see any game action, serving primarily as an emergency quarterback during the Vikings’ playoff run. Following the season, with J.J. McCarthy expected to take over as the long-term starter in Minnesota, Jones signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Colts.
In Indianapolis, Jones faces a different quarterback landscape. Anthony Richardson, the Colts’ 2023 first-round pick, had a challenging 2024 season marked by injuries and inconsistent performance. Richardson’s completion percentage was among the lowest in the league, and he was briefly benched in favor of veteran Joe Flacco. While Richardson has shown improvement in certain areas, including a notable increase in adjusted completion percentage since returning to the lineup, questions remain about his consistency and decision-making under pressure.
The Colts have structured their offseason practices to provide equal opportunities for both quarterbacks, with head coach Shane Steichen emphasizing an open competition. Both Jones and Richardson have been taking equal reps during organized team activities, with the coaching staff evaluating their performance across various scenarios, including third downs and red-zone situations.
Jones brings experience from his time as a starter with the Giants, where he had moments of impressive play, including a playoff victory in Minnesota. However, injuries and inconsistent performance led to his release. Now with the Colts, Jones has the opportunity to revitalize his career and potentially secure the starting role, especially if Richardson’s struggles continue.
The Colts’ offensive roster includes key playmakers like running back Jonathan Taylor and tight end Tyler Warren, which could complement Jones’s skill set. However, the offensive line has undergone changes, with former linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries departing for the Vikings, potentially impacting pass protection.
As the 2025 season approaches, the quarterback situation in Indianapolis remains fluid, with both Jones and Richardson vying for the starting position. The outcome of this competition will significantly influence the Colts’ performance and direction in the upcoming season.
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