Daniel Jones flourishes with Colts, leaving Giants in the dust after $14M deal fuels unbeaten start
Daniel Jones’s journey through the NFL took a significant turn after six tumultuous seasons with the New York Giants. While he displayed moments of brilliance, the overarching narrative of his tenure was one of underachievement. Waived mid-season in 2024, it appeared Jones was on track to join the ranks of first-round draft picks who fell short of expectations. However, a fresh start awaited him this offseason when he signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts.
Unexpected Opportunity
Initially, Jones’s signing didn’t create much excitement, especially with fellow first-round pick Anthony Richardson already on the Colts’ roster. Yet, the 26-year-old quarterback outperformed Richardson in preseason, earning the starting role. Since then, Jones has not looked back. His leadership was on full display during a commanding 41-20 victory over the Tennessee Titans, propelling the Colts to a perfect 3-0 record. In that game, Jones completed 228 passing yards and threw one touchdown while adding 27 rushing yards to his stat line.
Subtle Jabs at the Giants
After the victory, Jones hinted at his past with the Giants while praising the Colts’ intelligence on the field. “Something that’s impressed me here is that I think we’ve got a smart football team,” he remarked. “We have a lot of guys who can handle information and know what to expect going out there.” This comment raises eyebrows, as it suggests a critique of his former teammates, especially in light of the Giants’ struggles over the last decade.
Jones’s time in New York was marked by instability, with multiple general managers and three head coaches during his six years. Despite his intermittent successes, the Giants managed only one winning season in that span. In 2022, Jones led the Giants to a respectable 9-6-1 record, throwing for a career-high 3,205 yards with 15 touchdowns against just five interceptions. This performance led the franchise to extend his contract, yet just two seasons later, they chose to part ways.
A Bargain for the Colts
The early returns for the Colts suggest they struck gold with Jones. In the first three games of the season, he has amassed 816 yards through the air with three touchdowns and, crucially, no interceptions. The Colts, riding high on this successful start, appear to have acquired a bargain in Jones, who is thriving in this new environment.
Giants Facing a Tough Season
While Jones flourishes in Indianapolis, the Giants face a daunting challenge this season. As they prepare to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in a crucial Monday Night Football matchup, the team is desperately trying to avoid an 0-3 start. With the Colts basking in the glow of their success, the Giants are left to navigate another rocky season, highlighting the stark contrast between Jones’s new chapter and the struggles of his former team.
