Colts acquire QB Jones, hoping to end playoff drought amid injury concerns

The Indianapolis Colts are banking on Daniel Jones to revitalize their franchise as they seek to end a five-year playoff drought.

Why it matters: The Colts have struggled with quarterback instability, having started a different player in Week 1 for eight of the past nine seasons. Acquiring Jones may provide the consistency and leadership needed to turn the team's fortunes around.

• Chris Ballard, Colts general manager, emphasized the importance of securing a reliable starting quarterback, stating, "I feel very good about Daniel Jones and where he's at, where he's going."
• Jones's presence could stabilize an offense that has seen multiple quarterbacks come and go, complicating efforts to develop a cohesive offensive identity.

What’s new: Following his six-year tenure with the New York Giants, Jones joined the Colts after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon last December.

• Although this injury poses concerns regarding his immediate availability and recovery timeline, Ballard remains optimistic. He noted, “Of course, it will have an impact... but we'll work through that.”
• Despite the setback, Jones led the Giants to an 8-2 start last season before his injury, showcasing his potential as a game-changing quarterback.

Yes, but: The road ahead is fraught with uncertainty due to Jones's injury status and existing competition within the Colts' ranks.

• Anthony Richardson Sr., the Colts' 2023 first-round pick, has had his own struggles, including an orbital fracture and being benched during games, casting doubt on his readiness to lead.
• Meanwhile, Jones will enter free agency this spring, and the complexity of his injury could hinder contract negotiations.

What to watch: As the Colts navigate these challenges, the performance of Sauce Gardner, acquired from the New York Jets, will also be scrutinized.

• Gardner, a two-time first-team All-Pro cornerback, was brought in to bolster the defense but faced injuries throughout the previous season. His ability to stay healthy will be crucial for the Colts' overall performance.

The bottom line: With pressure mounting on Ballard as he enters the final year of his contract, the focus will remain on whether Jones can prove himself worthy of the long-term investment required to solidify the quarterback position.

• Ballard candidly stated, “It starts with me. And until we win -- until we win big, win a division, go far into playoffs -- there’s going to be doubt.”
• For the Colts, success hinges not only on Jones’s recovery but also on the collective ability to build a winning culture in Indianapolis.