Through the initial months of the 2026 offseason, it has become clear that Indianapolis Colts' starting quarterback Daniel Jones is playing a vastly different role than many anticipated when the team signed him last March. On Wednesday, Colts general manager Chris Ballard candidly admitted on The Rich Eisen Show that he underestimated Jones' potential impact on the team.
"I'm going to be honest with you: I underestimated him," Ballard told Eisen. "I think I looked at the tape and saw the struggles in New York and thought, 'Okay, we're getting a reclamation project.' But what I didn't fully account for was the environment he was in. The offensive line issues, the lack of weapons, the revolving door of coordinators--that stuff matters. And since he's been here, he's shown me a different guy. A confident guy. A guy who processes quickly and makes the right throws. He's been a pleasant surprise, and I'm glad he's our quarterback."
Ballard's assessment reflects a growing confidence in Jones, who signed a one-year, incentive-laden contract reportedly worth up to $10 million after being released by the New York Giants following a torn ACL in 2024. The move was met with skepticism among fans and analysts, given Jones' inconsistent tenure with the Giants. However, in the Colts' system under head coach Shane Steichen, Jones has demonstrated marked improvement in his fundamentals, decision-making, and leadership.
Steichen, who has a track record of rejuvenating quarterback careers -- exemplified by his work with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia -- has been openly supportive of Jones' development this offseason.
Jones has also shown a professional approach in adapting to his new role. "I appreciate Chris saying that, but I'm not focused on proving people wrong," Jones said after a recent practice. "I'm focused on proving this team right. I know what I can do when I'm healthy and when I'm in a system that fits me. I feel like I'm in that system now."
Observed during 11-on-11 drills, Jones' arm strength and release speed have improved, particularly on intermediate throws where he had struggled in the past. His connection with established Colts receivers like Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Alec Pierce already signals promising chemistry and offensive fluency.
While Jones has solidified his role as the Colts' starting quarterback, the competition for backup quarterback remains an open question.
Backup Quarterback Competition: Richardson vs. Leonard
Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter addressed the backup quarterback battle in a Wednesday press conference, emphasizing healthy competition between Anthony Richardson and second-year Riley Leonard.
"May the best man win," Cooter said. "We have two talented, athletic quarterbacks who are both working their tails off. Anthony has the physical tools and the experience in this system. Riley is a rookie who has shown unbelievable poise and a very quick learning curve. We're going to let this thing play out, and whoever earns it will be our No. 2."
Anthony Richardson, the former fourth overall pick in 2023, has battled a series of injuries over his brief career, including season-ending shoulder surgery in 2023 and a concussion with AC joint issues in 2024. The Colts declined to pick up his fifth-year option this offseason, an indicator of uncertainty regarding his long-term role. Additionally, Richardson submitted a trade request in March but withdrew it after meeting with Steichen and Ballard, recommitting himself to the team and workouts.
"Anthony is a competitor," Cooter continued. "He's come in with a great attitude. He's working on his mechanics--his footwork, his lower-body engagement. He knows what's at stake. He's not pouting, he's not sulking. He's competing. And that's all we can ask."
In the meantime, second-year Riley Leonard has impressed coaching staff with his quick adaptation to the pro game. Leonard, a fourth-round pick out of Notre Dame, combines size (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) and mobility, drawing comparisons to former Colts backup Jacoby Brissett for his pocket presence and ability to extend plays.
"Riley's processing speed is really impressive for a rookie," Cooter noted. "He's not forcing things. He's taking what the defense gives him, and he's making plays with his legs when things break down. He's further along than I expected."
Currently, Seth Henigan is also on the roster as a developmental fourth quarterback. However, the Colts are expected to trim their quarterback room to three or potentially two by the regular season.
Depth Chart and Offensive Outlook
The Colts' quarterback depth this offseason represents a significant improvement over recent years, when injuries and inconsistency forced the team to rely on journeymen and short-term replacements. With Jones healthy and playing with confidence, and a competitive backup situation, the Colts enter the 2026 season with stability at arguably the team's most critical position.
Ballard acknowledged the progress: "It's a good problem to have. We have guys who can win games for us. That wasn't always the case here. I think we're in a much better spot than we were a year ago."
This development shifts the mindset from viewing the quarterback position as a project or stopgap to treating it as a bona fide strength. Ballard's admission about underestimating Jones signals a broader organizational belief that the franchise has landed on a cornerstone player in its recent quarterback acquisition.
Cooter reinforced the team's philosophy on competition and progression: "We're not going to anoint anybody. We're going to let these guys compete. And I think at the end of the day, the competition will make all three of them better--and it will make our offense better."
The Colts will open their 2026 regular season on the road against the Houston Texans in September. Until then, the backup quarterback battle and the continued growth of Daniel Jones will be central storylines to watch during training camp and preseason action.
If the GM is right, Indianapolis may have found the level of quarterback play that had eluded them in recent years -- setting the stage for a potential return to playoff contention.
Alexandra Gain covers the Indianapolis Colts with a focus on player news, roster developments, and team strategy.