Where did ESPN rank the Colts’ Daniel Jones signing among the other QB moves in free agency?
Compared to the other quarterback moves made in free agency this past week, where did ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky rank the Indianapolis Colts’ signing of Daniel Jones?
Orlovsky recently put together his top 10 list of quarterback moves made since the NFL’s free agency period opened, and by comparison, he likes the addition of Jones to the Colts’ roster.
Coming in at No. 1 on Orlovsky’s list was Sam Darnold to Seattle. That was followed by Geno Smith to Las Vegas and Justin Fields to the New York Jets. Then, at No. 4, was Jones to the Colts.
“I truly believe Indy will play the best option at quarterback, so this could be a competition to start,” wrote Orlovsky. “Anthony Richardson has been up and down, and Jones fits well as the alternative. He can sprinkle in some QB runs and distribute to the ball in Shane Steichen’s run-pass option offense.”
Internally, if you’re Chris Ballard or Shane Steichen, the hope is that Anthony Richardson wins this job outright. But in what is seemingly a make-or-break year for Ballard and potentially Steichen, there is no room for favorites–the Colts need on-the-field results. That means playing the quarterback who gives them the best chance to win, regardless of whether it’s your own No. 4 overall pick from just two years ago or Jones, who is looking to rejuvenate his career.
Ballard and Steichen believe that this competition can help elevate Richardson’s play. We saw that take place last season after Richardson was benched for two games. Upon his return to the starting lineup, his play did improve, which included leading two game-winning drives in the fourth quarter.
Richardson is fully healthy this offseason–unlike last year at this time–and is reportedly working out with the same quarterback expert who worked with the Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen early on in his career, as well as with Allen at some point.
Jones, meanwhile, has experience on his side, having made 69 career starts in the NFL. For his career, he has completed 64% of his throws at 6.5 yards per attempt with 70 touchdowns to 47 interceptions.
Last season, before being released by the Giants, Jones’ completion percentage had dipped to 63%, while the passing offense struggled to generate big plays, and Jones had eight touchdowns to seven interceptions.
“It’s an opportunity to come in and compete,” Jones said after being signed. “I’m looking forward to that. I’ve had a lot of fun. A lot of respect for Anthony and watching him. He’s certainly a talented young player and I think the competition aspect of it brings out the best in everybody. I think we’re both interested in helping this team win games and whatever we can do to help that happen.”
