Which teams overpaid? Panicked? Built a QB-proof juggernaut? Let’s hand out free agency superlatives

Key Takeaways:

• The Indianapolis Colts signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a one-year, $14 million deal.
• Anthony Richardson, the Colts’ 22-year-old quarterback, has struggled to meet expectations.
• The move suggests the Colts are hedging their bets on Richardson’s development.
• Daniel Jones seeks a fresh start after leaving the New York Giants.
• The signing reflects broader trends of bold moves in the 2025 NFL free agency.

A Bold Move in the 2025 NFL Free Agency

NFL free agency is pretty much finished! Well, actually, it doesn’t even begin until 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, but the legal tampering period is almost 48 hours old, and most contracts are essentially finalized. With most major dominoes already fallen, free agency classes have come into clarity and grades are being assigned. Teams are being scrutinized for their strategies: which teams panicked, which pursued familiarity, which spent madly, and which built a quarterback-proof juggernaut.

The Colts’ Quarterback Dilemma

The Indianapolis Colts find themselves in a precarious position. They have a young quarterback in 22-year-old Anthony Richardson, for whom the lightbulb simply has not come on. Despite high hopes and expectations, Richardson’s performance has yet to solidify him as the team’s franchise quarterback. The Colts, unwilling to leave their fate to chance, felt the need to hedge their bets.

Daniel Jones Joins the Roster

In response, the Colts have signed Daniel Jones to a one-year, $14 million deal. At 27, Jones is a still-young quarterback with plenty of starting experience. In New York, where expectations were towering for the presumed heir to Eli Manning, Jones struggled under the weight of the spotlight. Now, out of New York, he might be able to play a little more free and loose—and in a better offensive environment than the Giants ever afforded him.

Implications for the Future

Jones is clearly betting that he’ll get some action in place of Richardson—whether due to Richardson’s poor play, an injury, or a training camp battle. His aim is to play well enough to cash in during the 2026 offseason. For the Colts, this move could be a strategic step to ignite competition and elevate performance. However, it may also signal a lack of confidence in their developmental processes and long-term planning.

A Reflection of League-Wide Trends

The Colts’ decision mirrors a broader trend in the 2025 NFL free agency period. Teams are making bold and sometimes surprising moves to reposition themselves competitively. Questions linger: Which teams have acted out of calculated strategy, and which out of panic? The Colts’ signing of Jones could be viewed through either lens.

Looking Ahead

As the Colts navigate their quarterback situation, the upcoming season will reveal whether this gamble pays off. Will Daniel Jones seize the opportunity to reinvent himself and lead the team, or will Anthony Richardson rise to the challenge and solidify his role? The consequences of this decision will not only shape the Colts’ future but also serve as a telling example of the risks inherent in the high-stakes world of NFL management.