Since much of the hoopla of the free agent frenzy is behind us, I thought that I would look at who you prefer to be Daniel Jones’ backup. Given DJ’s contract, there is no longer a QB competition, only a battle to see who plays in those games that Jones can’t. We won’t know until later in the Spring, if Jones is ready to go for Week 1. Scrap that, we (as fans) won’t know if he is ready until the last pre-season game is played.
With Jones having a potential two year window, the Colts will likely play his injury safer than they played his broken bone last year. I expect him to ready, but we have established that I lean optimistic. Many point to missed games that are checkered throughout his first seven seasons, as an indication that our backup will definitely play. If the backup is going to play, who should be our guy?
In 2023, Anthony Richardson would have had a hard time believing that in year 4 of his career, he would be requesting a trade, or in a camp battle for the QB2 role. However, that is where he finds himself. It was back on Feb 26th, that he asked for permission to seek a trade. The Colts granted that request. With all of the movement during free-agency, you have to believe that if a team truly wanted to deal for him, they would have made an offer. Right now, it appears that the only teams willing to make that move are doing so with the “flyer” designation, which will not bring much in return. (See Justin Fields)
It is hard to argue with the philosophy that the only way you can salvage any sort of return on his investment, is to get him on the field. Those who would argue that philosophy would say that the more he is seen, the less his value will be. That is on the harsh side. It has been since December of 2024, since he has been seen on the field in a regular season game. He has had another full camp since then, and if he stays a Colt this offseason, it will be two camps. It is fair to point out that his career is also checkered with missed games.
So, in one corner we have the uber talented former #4 overall pick, who has shown flashes of above average play. He is under contract for a manageable amount and the only pending decision would be whether to pick up his 5th year option. He should have a complete grasp of the offense in year 4. He should also have some sense of urgency, but maybe not, since he will be just 24 when the season opens. He has had multiple seasons with the receivers and does open up that playbook as a runner.
In the other corner, we have the incumbent from last year. Riley Leonard does not have the same physical tools as AR, nor the lofty draft status. He was a modest 6th round pick and possibly even a consolation pick after his title game opponent (Howard) was taken four picks earlier. No one in the draft room, or anywhere in the building for that matter would say that they wished Howard had fallen, but us speculators can float it out there.
Riley got his feet wet at the end of last year, after Rivers was summoned from the sofa. He was understandably a “deer in headlights”, when asked to replace DJ vs. Jacksonville. With only 3rd string reps in camp, and second string reps after AR’s band mishap, he looked the part of a rookie getting his first action. After four weeks following his neighbor around, soaking up knowledge, he looked much better in the finale. How much stock you wish to put in one half of football against a stout NFL defense likely goes a long way in determining just who you want as QB2.
My guess is that after seeing what Fields brought in trade capital, AR will be held onto until the docs and brass are convinced that Jones is fully ready to take on the season. This obviously will not take place before the draft, so my guess is that once Jones is healthy, AR will be moved for a player or late 2027 pick.
So given that scenario and lets say Jones is able to practice, but not play until week 3. With AR in camp, would he and Leonard be given an equal shot to start those two games, or do you trot AR out there in an attempt to raise his value. Or, do you put Leonard out there since he would likely be QB2 after game 3, so that he gains more experience on the job? As Crash Davis told his coach, We’re dealing with a lot of “stuff” out here.
How do you procede?
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