one more QB gone:
https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1899475763461517388
https://x.com/MySportsUpdate/status/1899474659176763781
https://x.com/The33rdTeamFB/status/1899475894151864497
A good price for him
Ah yes, the Vikings clearly were grooming him for the starting role but were blown out of the water by... a 1-year, $14MM deal (and I'd imagine the guarantees are roughly half that).
Somewhat surprised Jones couldn't get a two-year deal. If you're gambling on him maybe reclaiming some upside (not saying there is any), then I would think you'd want his second year at a relative discount. This deal looks like the Colts "challenging" Anthony Richardson and knowing they need a capable backup as Richardson hasn't shown he can stay healthy in his first two years.
Back-up is with a potential to start once Richardson goes down?
Two things jump out at me here:
1. Perhaps the 'perfect situation' at the Vikes wasn't that perfect
2. It still maddening that the Giants overpaid so badly for him. For this type of money, the Colts have done okay.
Quote from: H-Town G-Fan on March 11, 2025, 11:07:28 AMAh yes, the Vikings clearly were grooming him for the starting role but were blown out of the water by... a 1-year, $14MM deal (and I'd imagine the guarantees are roughly half that).
Somewhat surprised Jones couldn't get a two-year deal. If you're gambling on him maybe reclaiming some upside (not saying there is any), then I would think you'd want his second year at a relative discount. This deal looks like the Colts "challenging" Anthony Richardson and knowing they need a capable backup as Richardson hasn't shown he can stay healthy in his first two years.
It looks like most of it is guaranteed. But yeah, so much for those 10-12 interested teams, and multiple starting jobs.
What happened to our inside source who all but insisted he would be the Vikings QB this season? =))
Quote from: H-Town G-Fan on March 11, 2025, 11:07:28 AM1-year, $14MM deal (and I'd imagine the guarantees are roughly half that).
I am not sure $13.15 million guaranteed is "roughly half" :D
source- the first tweet posted
13.1mil is fully guaranteed.
Quote from: MightyGiants on March 11, 2025, 11:12:01 AMI am not sure $13.15 million guaranteed is "roughly half" :D
source- the first tweet posted
Good for him! May not have too many chances to get that type of payday in the future.
Quote from: TDToomer on March 11, 2025, 11:11:08 AMWhat happened to our inside source who all but insisted he would be the Vikings QB this season? =))
It is almost like it was made up :hmm: :hmm:
From DJ's point of view:
The Vikings offered the ideal QB environment, but he would have had he 10th overall pick, who essentially would be the heir apparent, so DJ starting was contingent on JJ failing.
The Colts offered a lesser QB environment, but they had publicly stated they were bringing in a veteran QB to compete with 1st round disappointment (both performance and injury) Anthony Richardson.
Assuming DJ still believes in his talent, I could see why he picked the Colts over the Vikings.
Imagine how Richardson must feel, knowing they signed Daniel Jones to compete with him. I feel for that guy right now.
Quote from: MrGap92 on March 11, 2025, 11:17:10 AMImagine how Richardson must feel, knowing they signed Daniel Jones to compete with him. I feel for that guy right now.
I don't follow. If DJ is as bad as you have been saying, Richardson should feel pretty good that he will win the competition.
Imagine sucking at your job as he does, and getting paid $14MM to do so. Any one of us can panic in the pocket, miss seeing, and passing to open receivers, fumble, and throw bad interceptions.
Quote from: MightyGiants on March 11, 2025, 11:19:12 AMI don't follow. If DJ is as bad as you have been saying, Richardson should feel pretty good that he will win the competition.
I imagine he can also view it as a slap in the face.
He's going to end up starting a bunch for them, Richardson can't stay in the field. I wish him nothing but luck, it doesn't affect us. Decent running game, I think decent OL. He had a chance to be better than average.
Quote from: MrGap92 on March 11, 2025, 11:21:37 AMI imagine he can also view it as a slap in the face.
A couple of months ago the team said they would bring in a QB to compete with him. I could see that being considered a slap in the face. Who they brought in, from Richardson's perspective, would be how difficult will he be to defeat.
I'm happy for Daniel Jones and I hope he does well for the Colts, I wish him the best.
I guess he didn't think he could beat out Brett Rypien as the backup QB and Minnesota wouldn't pay him $13.1mm.
https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1899482832461771192
Good for him. He has an opportunity to compete and show he can be a legit starter. I wish him well.
Quote from: TDToomer on March 11, 2025, 11:11:08 AMWhat happened to our inside source who all but insisted he would be the Vikings QB this season? =))
Tom Pelissero
@TomPelissero
The #Vikings tried to retain Daniel Jones. But when it became apparent Jones wasn't convicted about returning, Minnesota told him they were moving on, Jones accepted the #Colts' 1-year offer and J.J. McCarthy is now likely QB1.
More from our
@nflnetwork
breaking news segment:
https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1899482852695196076
I would love to see Jones win the starting job and lead the Colts to the playoffs !!! This is coming from a Duke grad
Quote from: MightyGiants on March 11, 2025, 11:41:27 AMhttps://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1899482852695196076
https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1899482852695196076
It says they wanted him back, not that he was going to be the starter.
Quote from: EDjohnst1981 on March 11, 2025, 11:54:47 AMIt says they wanted him back, not that he was going to be the starter.
I was responding to a post that questioned that Jones would be a Viking, not that he would be the Viking's starter
Quote from: MightyGiants on March 11, 2025, 11:56:12 AMI was responding to a post that questioned that Jones would be a Viking, not that he would be the Viking's starter
Apologies, I read the quoted message to imply that he was going to be the starting QB - the use of the word 'the' implied as much.
Anyway, splitting hairs. I'm just glad these discussions don't involve our team. A shame we are still paying for it but there we are.
Interesting take that Jones would have been competing with JJ.
https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/minnesota-vikings-news/daniel-jones-decision-colts/amp/
Quote from: Ed Vette on March 11, 2025, 12:05:00 PMInteresting take that Jones would have been competing with JJ.
https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-vikings/minnesota-vikings-news/daniel-jones-decision-colts/amp/
The blogger didn't provide any sort of support for his claim:
QuoteBecause our friend Daniel isn't confident he can beat out JJ McCarthy in camp and he wants a legitimate chance to start.
So while the take is interesting, I am not sure it's a legitimate one. I have heard no reports from established insiders in terms of how the Vikings viewed JJ or any potential QB competition.
Quote from: MightyGiants on March 11, 2025, 11:41:27 AMTom Pelissero
@TomPelissero
The #Vikings tried to retain Daniel Jones. But when it became apparent Jones wasn't convicted about returning, Minnesota told him they were moving on, Jones accepted the #Colts' 1-year offer and J.J. McCarthy is now likely QB1.
More from our
@nflnetwork
breaking news segment:
https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/1899482852695196076
I'm curious as to why he wouldn't stay, especially with Darnold leaving.
Quote from: T200 on March 11, 2025, 12:18:58 PMI'm curious as to why he wouldn't stay, especially with Darnold leaving.
Better chance to start with the Colts than the Vikings, is the likely reason.
Quote from: MightyGiants on March 11, 2025, 12:22:33 PMBetter chance to start with the Colts than the Vikings, is the likely reason.
JJ isn't a slam-dunk, especially coming off an injury. He's essentially a rookie. Jones at least had a few months to see KOC's system and would have an opportunity to lead that offense versus going to a third offensive system in a year.
Perhaps, Minny told the QB room that JJ will start the season? It opened the door for both Darnold and Jones to leave.
Quote from: T200 on March 11, 2025, 12:26:33 PMJJ isn't a slam-dunk, especially coming off an injury. He's essentially a rookie. Jones at least had a few months to see KOC's system and would have an opportunity to lead that offense versus going to a third offensive system in a year.
Perhaps, Minny told the QB room that JJ will start the season? It opened the door for both Darnold and Jones to leave.
The Vikings drafted JJ to be their franchise QB. Barring JJ crashing and burning (or being physically impaired), or simply not ready to start, it's unlikely for Jones to be the starter.
The Colts had declared last month that they would bring in a veteran QB to compete with Richardson for the starting QB job.
So the Colts situation puts starting into DJ's hand as opposed to the Vikings where it would be in JJ's hands.
Quote from: MightyGiants on March 11, 2025, 12:30:10 PMThe Vikings drafted JJ to be their franchise QB. Barring JJ crashing and burning (or being physically impaired), or simply not ready to start, it's unlikely for Jones to be the starter.
The Colts had declared last month that they would bring in a veteran QB to compete with Richardson for the starting QB job.
So the Colts situation puts starting into DJ's hand as opposed to the Vikings where it would be in JJ's hands.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed. But, if I'm Jones and I believe in my ability, I'm staying in Minny and fighting for that starting job. It's a much better situation.
Quote from: T200 on March 11, 2025, 12:37:50 PMOf course, nothing is guaranteed. But, if I'm Jones and I believe in my ability, I'm staying in Minny and fighting for that starting job. It's a much better situation.
Tim,
You could be right, it's hardly a cut and dry decision.
It's also interesting because the Giants didn't believe that JJ was a better QB than Daniel Jones. If they did, they would have drafted him. Daniels and Maye yes, but JJ, no. Jones is young enough and affordable enough to be the starting QB for the Vikings. The Vikings are a win now team. Jones had a reasonable chance to prove he should at least start the season. Jones believed he had a better chance against Richardson and signed a 1 year deal with a lousy organization. An organization that instead of coming up with a plan to develop their very talented QB, decided to take the sink or swim method. It would have been better if they declared that Richardson would sit this year behind a Veteran and learn. As they should have done last year with a QB who had 16 games of College under his belt.
Indiana Jones !
I wouldn't rule out Rodgers going to Minnesota.
Quote from: Ed Vette on March 11, 2025, 01:32:51 PMI wouldn't rule out Rodgers going to Minnesota.
Rodgers following Favres career path even more would be hilarious
Quote from: MrGap92 on March 11, 2025, 01:34:52 PMRodgers following Favres career path even more would be hilarious
I get the impression that they aren't all in on JJ. It would certainly give him opportunity to play at least twice a year against GB and Jordan Love.
Who has the lowest passer rating over the past two seasons in the NFL??
Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson
Two peas in the same pod, athletic kids who can't read progressions.
@Ed Vette brought up an interesting point that I think speaks to Daniel's state of mind and confidence: he knows the Giants passed on JJ. Why would he not stay there to compete? Does he think he's not good enough?
Quote from: T200 on March 11, 2025, 12:26:33 PMJJ isn't a slam-dunk, especially coming off an injury. He's essentially a rookie. Jones at least had a few months to see KOC's system and would have an opportunity to lead that offense versus going to a third offensive system in a year.
Perhaps, Minny told the QB room that JJ will start the season? It opened the door for both Darnold and Jones to leave.
Maybe the Vikings saw enough of him in practice to say, "Giants were right to cut you. You are as useless as a 3rd tit on a male gorilla and we dont want you even for the league minimum."
Quote from: coggs on March 11, 2025, 04:45:29 PMMaybe the Vikings saw enough of him in practice to say, "Giants were right to cut you. You are as useless as a 3rd tit on a male gorilla and we dont want you even for the league minimum."
He's got a career as a backup. He can come in for an injured starter.
"You are as useless as a 3rd tit on a male gorilla and we don't want you even for the league minimum." Funny. Where would you find it?
For all the cockadoodle we've seen in the media, and some right here, we now know that last year's 14-3/4 Vikings weren't going to risk any sort of significant coin on the likes of Jones or Darnold.
So, they will sail with McCarthy and, for now at least with Mullins and Rypien. That could be viewed as a vote of confidence for O'Connell unless instead it was fear of a Daboll COTY curse.
Cheers!
I agree with those who have said this wasn't a cut and dry decision with Jones. I would also add that none of us are privy to behind the scenes conversations and dynamics that Jones and his agent were privy to, so we are dealing with very incomplete information here.
Still, here are some of what I believe may have been pros and cons that Jones considered in making this decision. By the way, I am taking it as a fact that he actually did have a decision here and could have been signed by either team. I can't say I know that for certain. Rapoport is usually a trustworthy source, so I'll assume it's true that he could have played for the Vikes if he wanted to.
Minnesota:
Pros:
-Significantly better surrounding talent
-Better coaching, clearly one of the best coaches in the league at resurrecting a previously failed QB.
-Overall probably better chance of improving as a player through practices and a full offseason program.
-Some degree of continuity from last season.
-QB who is number one on the depth chart is coming off a severe knee injury/surgery and has never played an NFL regular season game.
Cons:
-The Vikings are clearly very high on McCarthy. If they weren't, they wouldn't have let Darnold walk. Jones will have a tougher time getting playing time on this team, assuming McCarthy is healthy, which he is said to be (reportedly cleared for spring practices).
-Tough division
Colts:
Pros:
-The incumbent starter has looked bad so far and is also injury-prone. The Colts will likely have less patience with Richardson than the Vikings will with McCarthy. Give his playing style, Richardson may also be more injury prone than McCarthy, despite the fact that McCarthy did sustain a major injury early in his rookie season.
So in short, Jones would appear to have a better chance of being the starter in Indy for some or most of 2025 than he does in Minny.
-Softer division.
Cons:
-Weaker supporting cast.
-Lesser coaching staff than Minny (subjective but I think it's hard to argue otherwise).
-Would be Jones' third NFL team in fewer than 12 months.
-This coaching staff has no real track record of turning struggling QBs' careers around.
Overall thoughts:
I think if you're Jones, you go to the Colts if you believe you're a good starting QB who was done in entirely by poor surrounding talent and poor coaching on the Giants.
I think you stick with Minny and accept the backup role (for now) if you think you have a significant amount of things to work on in your game and you want to improve as much as you can under an elite coaching staff while you're still in your 20s.
I am not going to criticize Jones for believing in himself and wanting to maximize his shot at being a starter again as soon as possible. I will also say again that I don't think this was an easy decision.
Nevertheless, with the information available to me, I think he may have made the wrong decision here. Having the chance to practice with Kevin O'Connell and his coaching staff for even just one season could be downright invaluable. That system is now a well-oiled machine. You can't put a price on what they did for Darnold. That case study would carry immense weight with me. Is Jones going to get that type of developmental opportunity with Shane Steichen and Jim-Bob Cooter? Based on the results in Indy under those guys, I would say I highly doubt that.
Of course, if Jones IS in fact a quality NFL starter, and all the lousy throws and lousy decisions he put on tape over the last six years were indeed the fault others and not him, then he may well be better off in Indy given he probably has a somewhat better chance of getting starting reps in 2025 there.
I think it's a great move by the Colts. I have followed Richardson since UF, I am a UF fan.
Richardson while immensely talented is a Knucklehead. He follows a 70 yard TD on a great throw
with a pick 6 that's so obvious you can call it before it happens. Jones for all his issues is a professional. I say that with the utmost respect. He works his ass off, Anthony needs to be threatened and if it takes a few games on the bench all the better. From the perspective of a UF fan, I say Jones starts by mid year. I don't have any confidence in Anthony Richardson and the Colts need to know ASAP,
P.S. I'm rooting for Jones I genuinely like the guy and hope he does well
Quote from: DaveBrown74 on March 11, 2025, 06:41:35 PMI agree with those who have said this wasn't a cut and dry decision with Jones. I would also add that none of us are privy to behind the scenes conversations and dynamics that Jones and his agent were privy to, so we are dealing with very incomplete information here.
Still, here are some of what I believe may have been pros and cons that Jones considered in making this decision. By the way, I am taking it as a fact that he actually did have a decision here and could have been signed by either team. I can't say I know that for certain. Rapoport is usually a trustworthy source, so I'll assume it's true that he could have played for the Vikes if he wanted to.
Minnesota:
Pros:
-Significantly better surrounding talent
-Better coaching, clearly one of the best coaches in the league at resurrecting a previously failed QB.
-Overall probably better chance of improving as a player through practices and a full offseason program.
-Some degree of continuity from last season.
-QB who is number one on the depth chart is coming off a severe knee injury/surgery and has never played an NFL regular season game.
Cons:
-The Vikings are clearly very high on McCarthy. If they weren't, they wouldn't have let Darnold walk. Jones will have a tougher time getting playing time on this team, assuming McCarthy is healthy, which he is said to be (reportedly cleared for spring practices).
-Tough division
Colts:
Pros:
-The incumbent starter has looked bad so far and is also injury-prone. The Colts will likely have less patience with Richardson than the Vikings will with McCarthy. Give his playing style, Richardson may also be more injury prone than McCarthy, despite the fact that McCarthy did sustain a major injury early in his rookie season.
So in short, Jones would appear to have a better chance of being the starter in Indy for some or most of 2025 than he does in Minny.
-Softer division.
Cons:
-Weaker supporting cast.
-Lesser coaching staff than Minny (subjective but I think it's hard to argue otherwise).
-Would be Jones' third NFL team in fewer than 12 months.
-This coaching staff has no real track record of turning struggling QBs' careers around.
Overall thoughts:
I think if you're Jones, you go to the Colts if you believe you're a good starting QB who was done in entirely by poor surrounding talent and poor coaching on the Giants.
I think you stick with Minny and accept the backup role (for now) if you think you have a significant amount of things to work on in your game and you want to improve as much as you can under an elite coaching staff while you're still in your 20s.
I am not going to criticize Jones for believing in himself and wanting to maximize his shot at being a starter again as soon as possible. I will also say again that I don't think this was an easy decision.
Nevertheless, with the information available to me, I think he may have made the wrong decision here. Having the chance to practice with Kevin O'Connell and his coaching staff for even just one season could be downright invaluable. That system is now a well-oiled machine. You can't put a price on what they did for Darnold. That case study would carry immense weight with me. Is Jones going to get that type of developmental opportunity with Shane Steichen and Jim-Bob Cooter? Based on the results in Indy under those guys, I would say I highly doubt that.
Of course, if Jones IS in fact a quality NFL starter, and all the lousy throws and lousy decisions he put on tape over the last six years were indeed the fault others and not him, then he may well be better off in Indy given he probably has a somewhat better chance of getting starting reps in 2025 there.
Wait so you mean Jones chose the place he could possibly start at over being a 2nd/3rd string with the vikings?!? I mean from what we heard here, Jones chose the Vikings over a ton of other options because it was the best place to "learn". So only a couple of months later, those options vanished, he has learned it all from the Vikings, and is ready to start?
Or
Is it more likely than not that he didn't have any starting options open to him, just like now in FA despite a ton of teams needing a Qb and had to go somewhere were he could still be the backup.
By the way sarcasm was not towards you my friend, quality post as usual Dave👊
Quote from: Jclayton92 on March 11, 2025, 07:17:10 PMWait so you mean Jones chose the place he could possibly start at over being a 2nd/3rd string with the vikings?!? I mean from what we heard here, Jones chose the Vikings over a ton of other options because it was the best place to "learn". So only a couple of months later, those options vanished, he has learned it all from the Vikings, and is ready to start?
Or
Is it more likely than not that he didn't have any starting options open to him, just like now in FA despite a ton of teams needing a Qb and had to go somewhere were he could still be the backup.
By the way sarcasm was not towards you my friend, quality post as usual Dave👊
Great points
Quote from: Jclayton92 on March 11, 2025, 07:17:10 PMWait so you mean Jones chose the place he could possibly start at over being a 2nd/3rd string with the vikings?!? I mean from what we heard here, Jones chose the Vikings over a ton of other options because it was the best place to "learn". So only a couple of months later, those options vanished, he has learned it all from the Vikings, and is ready to start?
Or
Is it more likely than not that he didn't have any starting options open to him, just like now in FA despite a ton of teams needing a Qb and had to go somewhere were he could still be the backup.
By the way sarcasm was not towards you my friend, quality post as usual Dave👊
Haha - I knew it wasn't as I was reading the post, J-Clay. All good.
Anthony Richardson was seriously bad last year, but he's also only 22 still. I wouldn't say it's looking good for him, but it's probably a bit early to just write the guy off completely. Josh Allen had a QB rating in the 60s as a 22 year old.
I really see little point in trying to spin DJ signing a $14 million contract with the Colts to compete for a starting job as an indication that DJ is considered a poor QB or only capable of being a backup. His salary was significantly more than your backup QB makes. It was also less than a quality proven starter would make. It's essentially a prove it deal for a former starter.
In reality, the only quality indicators moving forward will be seeing of DJ wins the starting role, and if he does, how well he plays. That, at least in my mind, is the reality of the situation.
Personally, I put the chances of DJ starting at 50/50 and playing well at less than that. He has a lot going against him at this point. There is the crash and burn with the Giants. There may be a deficit from his multiple major injuries that impacted his throwing. There is the staying healthy after multiple serious injuries.
I wish him luck.
The downside for his decision is if he doesn't beat out Richardson and entrench himself as the Colts starting QB of the future, his career will take a nosedive. As Rich said, it's a one year prove it deal.
"Is it more likely than not that he didn't have any starting options open to him, just like now in FA despite a ton of teams needing a Qb and had to go somewhere were he could still be the backup."
There are no tears being shed by me because Danny boy boo hoo has to be a backup while earning $14MM. Imagine there are about 64 jobs in the NFL, and you are ranked from about 55 on down to 64. So you are not good at your job yet you earn....... While I can't tell anyone what to do we have had way more than enough chatter about Jones.
Quote from: Ed Vette on March 12, 2025, 11:45:23 AMThe downside for his decision is if he doesn't beat out Richardson and entrench himself as the Colts starting QB of the future, his career will take a nosedive. As Rich said, it's a one year prove it deal.
Ed,
I figured there was a risk either way. If he stayed with the Vikings, it was JJ's job to lose. If JJ played well, DJ never sees the field and his career stalls. At least with the Colts, they have declared an open competition. So odds are good he will see the field.
I think regardless of where DJ went, he was out of chances. He needs to prove with his next start, that he is better than what he was for the Giants in 2024 and most of 2023.
Quote from: MightyGiants on March 12, 2025, 12:06:06 PMEd,
I figured there was a risk either way. If he stayed with the Vikings, it was JJ's job to lose. If JJ played well, DJ never sees the field and his career stalls. At least with the Colts, they have declared an open competition. So odds are good he will see the field.
I think regardless of where DJ went, he was out of chances. He needs to prove with his next start, that he is better than what he was for the Giants in 2024 and most of 2023.
That puts him in a class of several QBs over the years who were looking for a second chance. Goff was one of the successful ones. It was interesting how Jimmy G opted to resign himself as a backup and not take a chance. I imagine he sees himself as the apparent successor to Stafford. Or at least he was following the carrot.
Quote from: Ed Vette on March 12, 2025, 12:12:32 PMThat puts him in a class of several QBs over the years who were looking for a second chance. Goff was one of the successful ones. It was interesting how Jimmy G opted to resign himself as a backup and not take a chance. I imagine he sees himself as the apparent successor to Stafford. Or at least he was following the carrot.
Jimmy G will be 34 years old in November. At that age, making $4.5 million as a backup in sunny California on a playoff team has to be pretty appealing.
https://x.com/MySportsUpdate/status/1899861176881742061
Quote from: MightyGiants on March 12, 2025, 08:27:26 AMI really see little point in trying to spin DJ signing a $14 million contract with the Colts to compete for a starting job as an indication that DJ is considered a poor QB or only capable of being a backup. His salary was significantly more than your backup QB makes. It was also less than a quality proven starter would make. It's essentially a prove it deal for a former starter.
In reality, the only quality indicators moving forward will be seeing of DJ wins the starting role, and if he does, how well he plays. That, at least in my mind, is the reality of the situation.
Personally, I put the chances of DJ starting at 50/50 and playing well at less than that. He has a lot going against him at this point. There is the crash and burn with the Giants. There may be a deficit from his multiple major injuries that impacted his throwing. There is the staying healthy after multiple serious injuries.
I wish him luck.
The way I look at it is 14 million is nowhere near starting QB money and is closer to backup type money (well paid backup of course) so in my mind they are rolling the dice maybe he will find something- but the 14 million saves them if he winds up being the backup.
Jones struggles with in game processing, pre and post snap. He needs to prove he can do that first and foremost.
14 mill is a great price for him.
If he was only making 14 mill he would still be on the Giants
Quote from: Trench on March 12, 2025, 03:23:49 PMThe way I look at it is 14 million is nowhere near starting QB money and is closer to backup type money (well paid backup of course) so in my mind they are rolling the dice maybe he will find something- but the 14 million saves them if he winds up being the backup.
$14 million is a bit of a no man's land. Too low for a starter and too high for a backup
Yeah, it's Richardson's job to lose. 70/30 AR starts week 1 is my thinking (if healthy).
When you have have two dreadful QBs you don't have a QB
I'm glad this isn't the Giants problem any longer.
Quote from: MightyGiants on March 12, 2025, 06:18:17 PM$14 million is a bit of a no man's land. Too low for a starter and too high for a backup
That's why I feel Jones isn't being paid to be a starter for the Colts. They simply aren't sure if he's good enough and their $$ offer reflects that.
I would describe what Indy is doing with Jones as bringing him in as a "plan B" for AR. That's a little bit different from "backup" and, I would suggest, slightly higher status than a pure backup (for now).
I firmly believe that AR is still the presumptive starter there. Obviously, based on the way his first two seasons have gone, between durability issues and poor performance, he is on shaky ground. However, as I mentioned earlier he is still only 22, and they did use a first round pick on him. I view the likelihood of Jones beating out a healthy AR for the week one starting role as very low. I think the Colts, after only two years with AR and really only one year of anything resembling a real sample of play, almost certainly want to "see it through" with him. I suspect that means they need to see acceptable results this season, or they will make a change at some point during the season. That could be as early as week two or three, or it could happen much later, or possibly not at all if AR happens to suddenly play well and never gets hurt. We'll see.
Do I think Jones has any chance at all of beating out a healthy AR for the starting job in week one? Yes. But I view that as unlikely, even if he has a somewhat better camp and preseason. I think you'd have to see fairly obvious and dramatic disparity in camp and the preseason for Jones to be under center for the Colts in week one with AR completely healthy. That doesn't mean AR's leash is remotely long though. I suspect it is not.