As the New York Giants continue their hunt for a new quarterback—or maybe even multiple quarterbacks—their former starter, Daniel Jones, is exploring his next move in the league. After spending seven seasons in New York, Jones is looking for a fresh start, and a few teams appear to be interested in bringing him on board.
One of the teams reportedly keeping an eye on Jones is the Indianapolis Colts. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Colts have shown some level of interest in the veteran quarterback as they evaluate options to back up—or perhaps push—their young but inconsistent starter, Anthony Richardson. The Colts are still committed to developing Richardson, but his erratic play has made them consider adding an experienced signal-caller to stabilize the position.
Who’s on the Colts’ Radar?
Indianapolis isn’t just looking at Jones. Their list of potential quarterback options includes Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Jacoby Brissett—players who could either serve as mentors to Richardson or step in and take over if needed. It’s clear the Colts want a mix of competition and reliability in their quarterback room, and Jones’ name has been brought up multiple times as a viable option.
This situation presents an interesting dilemma for the Colts. While they haven’t given up on Richardson, their approach to free agency will reveal a lot about how much faith they still have in him as their long-term solution. If they go after someone like Jones aggressively, it could signal that they’re hedging their bets on Richardson’s development.
Could Jones Return to Minnesota?
The Colts aren’t the only team rumored to be interested in Jones. There’s also speculation that his most recent team, the Minnesota Vikings, might consider keeping him around. Minnesota is facing a crucial decision with their quarterback room, particularly if they fail to retain Sam Darnold in free agency. If Darnold walks, Jones could emerge as a logical choice to return to the Vikings, especially given his familiarity with head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system.
The Vikings technically still have negotiating rights with Jones until March 10, when the “legal tampering” period officially begins. That means they have a short window to work out a deal before other teams can formally pursue him. What makes Jones an appealing option for Minnesota is that he understands O’Connell’s offensive scheme, which could make for a smoother transition compared to bringing in a completely new face.
A Bridge to the Future?
Another key factor in Minnesota’s decision-making process is the health of last year’s first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy. The young quarterback spent his entire rookie season sidelined due to a knee injury, and while there’s optimism about his recovery, the Vikings might want a veteran who can step in as a bridge until McCarthy is fully ready. Jones could fit that role perfectly—offering experience and leadership while allowing Minnesota to ease McCarthy back into action.
Jones’ Career So Far
Jones’ career has been a rollercoaster ride. Drafted sixth overall by the Giants in 2019, he entered the league with high expectations but struggled with injuries and inconsistency. While he’s had flashes of brilliance, including leading the Giants to a playoff win in 2022, he hasn’t quite established himself as a franchise quarterback. That’s what makes his current free agency situation so intriguing—he’s at a crossroads where he could either revive his career as a starter or transition into a reliable veteran backup.
What’s Next for Jones?
So, where will Jones land? It largely depends on how these quarterback-needy teams prioritize their needs. If the Colts are truly looking for a strong veteran presence behind Richardson, Jones makes sense as a steady, experienced option. On the other hand, if Minnesota sees him as the perfect bridge for McCarthy, they may push to bring him back before free agency fully opens up.
There’s also the possibility that another team could enter the mix. Quarterback movement in the NFL is always unpredictable, and injuries or unexpected roster decisions could suddenly create new opportunities for Jones. For now, all eyes are on how the Colts and Vikings navigate their offseason quarterback strategies.
No matter where he ends up, Daniel Jones’ next move will be one to watch as the NFL quarterback carousel continues to spin.
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