The 2024 NFL season was a turning point for Daniel Jones—and not the kind anyone saw coming when he signed that jaw-dropping $160 million contract with the New York Giants just a year earlier. But sometimes, endings are necessary for fresh starts. And now, with Jones officially in a blue and white Colts jersey, the stage is set for something wild: a comeback story that could reshape his career—and maybe even land him the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award.
Yep, that’s right. You heard it from Jeffri Chadiha over at NFL.com, who made the bold (maybe even crazy) prediction that Jones could be the guy hoisting that CPOY trophy by season’s end.
Let’s Talk About Why This Could Actually Happen
This isn't just a wild fantasy cooked up during a slow news week. There's real logic behind it.
First of all, let’s take a look at the new setup in Indianapolis. The Colts are led by head coach Shane Steichen—a name that should ring a bell for any Eagles fan. Steichen helped transform Jalen Hurts from a raw, scrambling QB into a legit MVP-caliber superstar in Philly. The man knows quarterbacks, especially the ones who can move.
That’s where Daniel Jones fits right in. While he’s no Hurts, he’s mobile, tough, and can make plays when the pocket breaks down. Steichen has proven he knows how to build offenses around a quarterback’s strengths instead of forcing square pegs into round holes—something Jones never quite had in New York.
A Fresh System, Better Tools
Let’s be real. The Giants didn't exactly surround Jones with top-tier talent. Sure, they had Saquon Barkley—and we'll get to him in a second—but Jones rarely had a solid offensive line or true wide receiver threats. It always felt like he was trying to do more with less, and too often, he paid the price for it.
Now? Jones enters a Colts system that boasts actual offensive firepower. Jonathan Taylor is leading the rushing attack and still looks like one of the league’s most dangerous backs when healthy. The offensive line? Way more stable than what he dealt with back in New York. And the receiving corps might not have a superstar like Malik Nabers (who ended up with the Giants, ironically), but there's real depth and potential for explosive plays.
It’s a more balanced ecosystem for a quarterback. That alone could lead to a noticeable bump in Jones’ efficiency and production.
Enter: The Anthony Richardson Dilemma
Now, let's not ignore the elephant in the room—Anthony Richardson. The Colts’ current QB1 is one of the most polarizing young players in the NFL. The talent is undeniable, but he’s been streaky at best, injury-prone, and still raw in terms of decision-making.
If Richardson struggles early—or heaven forbid, gets hurt again—it opens the door for Jones. And if Jones walks through that door and delivers even halfway decent performances while racking up wins? Suddenly, the NFL landscape shifts.
There’s no denying the narrative is already being written. A fallen franchise QB finds redemption in a new city. A player once written off as a cautionary tale for overpaying young quarterbacks suddenly lighting it up in a new system. It’s Hollywood stuff.
Barkley Went Off… What If Jones Is Next?
Here’s a little twist of irony that could fuel this comeback tale even more: Jones would be trying to bounce back the year after his former teammate Saquon Barkley finally exploded.
When Barkley left New York and went nuclear, even entering the MVP conversation, it added a little sting for the Giants front office. Imagine the media storm if two former Giants suddenly rediscovered themselves—and thrived—after escaping East Rutherford.
For general manager Joe Schoen, it would be a tough pill to swallow. He made the call to lock in Jones, then turned around and handed the keys to Russell Wilson and young Jaxson Dart after Jones’ injury and performance slump. If Jones balls out in Indy, Schoen could face serious questions.
Can He Really Pull Off a Full Redemption Arc?
Let’s pump the brakes for a second. Winning Comeback Player of the Year isn’t exactly a walk in the park. There are always other compelling stories around the league. A player coming back from a major injury, a feel-good rookie-to-veteran revival, or even a comeback from off-the-field issues.
Jones will need to do more than just "play better." He’ll need to play really well. Like, top-15 QB well. He’ll need to lead the Colts into playoff contention, avoid the turnover bug that plagued him in New York, and show genuine development in his decision-making.
But here’s the kicker: if anyone can squeeze that kind of growth out of Jones, it’s Shane Steichen. The offensive brainpower is there. The playbook flexibility is there. The supporting cast is better. The motivation? Off the charts.
Why Fans Should Keep an Eye on Indy
If you’re not tuning into Colts games this season, you might be missing one of the most intriguing subplots in the NFL. Whether or not Richardson holds onto the starting job, whether or not the Colts even make the playoffs, the story of Daniel Jones is worth tracking.
It’s not every day that a quarterback who was once hailed as the “future” of a franchise gets a second chance with a coach known for unlocking potential. Most QBs fade quietly. Jones is betting he can flip the script.
And for once, he might actually have the tools, coaching, and opportunity to do just that.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Count Him Out Just Yet
No, this isn’t a lock. Jones isn't a CPOY front-runner by any means. But the ingredients are there for something special. A talented offensive coach, a supporting cast that actually supports, and a quarterback with a chip on his shoulder.
So here’s your bold prediction: Daniel Jones isn't just trying to survive in Indianapolis—he’s trying to thrive. And if he does, don't be shocked if his name is called at the NFL Honors ceremony next February.
Sometimes, it’s not about where you start. It’s about where you land—and what you do with the second shot.
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