As the dust settles from the whirlwind of free agency, the question looming over Giants fans is who will back up Daniel Jones. With Jones' hefty contract, there’s no QB competition for the starting spot, but the backup role is crucial, especially given Jones' injury history. We won't have clarity on his Week 1 readiness until the preseason wraps up.
Jones has a potential two-year window, and the Colts are likely to be cautious with his recovery, especially after last year's injury issues. Many fans point to his track record of missed games, suggesting the backup quarterback could see action this season. So, who should step up if needed?
Enter Anthony Richardson. In 2023, he couldn’t have imagined being in a QB2 battle or requesting a trade by year four.
Yet, here we are. He asked for a trade on February 26th, and the Colts obliged.
Despite the buzz of free agency, no team has made a substantial offer for him. The interest seems lukewarm, with teams viewing him as a potential "flyer" rather than a solid investment.
The Colts face a dilemma: play Richardson to boost his trade value or risk diminishing it further. He hasn’t played in a regular season game since December 2024 but has had a full camp to refine his skills. His career, like Jones', has been marred by missed games.
Richardson, a former #4 overall pick, has shown glimpses of his potential. He's under a manageable contract, with a decision looming on his fifth-year option.
He should know the offense inside out by now, and at 24, he has time on his side. His familiarity with the receivers and ability to run adds a dynamic element to the playbook.
On the flip side, we have Riley Leonard, last year's incumbent. While he lacks Richardson's physical prowess and draft pedigree, Leonard was a solid 6th-round pick.
He got his first taste of NFL action last season, stepping in after Rivers was called back from retirement. Despite initial struggles, Leonard showed promise in his finale performance.
The decision on who becomes QB2 may hinge on the team’s confidence in Jones’ health. If Jones isn’t ready by Week 1, do the Colts give Richardson and Leonard equal opportunities, or do they showcase Richardson to boost his trade value? Alternatively, they might start Leonard to gain him valuable experience, anticipating he’ll be the backup after Week 3.
Ultimately, the Colts have some tough decisions ahead. Whether they play it safe with Leonard or take a gamble on Richardson, the choice will significantly impact their season strategy. As the legendary Crash Davis might say, there's a lot to juggle here.