Daniel Jones, now quarterbacking the Indianapolis Colts, once infamously held the same job for the New York Giants. After nearly six up-and-down (more down than up) seasons, including that infamous four-year, $160 million deal, the G-Men finally cut ties with Danny Dimes midseason of 2024.
Big Blue drafted Jones with the sixth overall pick back in 2019 in the hopes he'd supplant Eli Manning as the franchise's next starting quarterback. His signature moment came in 2022 when he led New York to a 9-7-1 record, playoff appearance, and subsequent playoff victory over the Minnesota Vikings. He's gone 3-13 as a starter since.
Related: Giants fans laugh as Daniel Jones turns Colts depth chart into a punchline
He landed on the Vikings’ practice squad to close out the year, then somehow parlayed that into a one-year, $14 million deal with the Colts to compete for the starting job. One preseason game against the Ravens, and Indy fans are already learning what Giants fans knew for years: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Indy Daniel Jones is exactly who Giants fans thought he was
It’s not that Danny Dimes was exceptionally terrible. He wasn’t. But when he’s running the offense, scoring always feels like pulling teeth. The 28-year-old is allergic to big plays and even more allergic to the end zone... not exactly the traits of a franchise quarterback.
When it was all said and done, Jones delivered a stat line Big Blue Nation knows by heart: 10 completions on 21 attempts, 144 yards, five drives... six total points (two field goals). His lack of putting up touchdown issues is already rearing its ugly head, and it’s only the first preseason game. Different season. Different uniform. Same Daniel Jones.
You literally can't make this stuff up.
To his credit, Jones only played the first half, coming in earlier than expected after an apparent Anthony Richardson hand injury. But still, this is a guy in competition for the starting job. He just needs to be better.
And it's not just that Jones was anemic — rookie QB Riley Leonard took over in the second half and instantly made the offense look more capable than Jones had. Not exactly a glowing endorsement for Jones.
When Jones was with the Giants, he just couldn’t lead the team down the field and into the end zone. He’s never quarterbacked an offense that’s averaged more than 22 points per game at any point in his career, so excuse me when I find it objectively hilarious that in five drives, he led the Colts to two field goals.
Look, he’s got some time to turn this thing around, especially with Richardson potentially missing time with a hand injury. But it’s not like he’s been having a tremendous camp. He’s been fine. Which is all you can really say when the former sixth overall pick is playing at his best. Which is the problem.
He’s only on a one-year deal, so it’s not like the Colts have mortgaged their future betting on Danny. But if Thursday night was any indication of what’s to come in 2025, it’s hard not to see Indy hitching their wagon to a guy who’s already proven he ain’t it.
But don't just take my word for it. It seems like juuuust about everyone is already looking to exchange their Danny Dimes for something better:
So Daniel Jones should never be on another football team again
— Neil S. (@NeilS2218) August 8, 2025
Looks like Riley Leonard won the Anthony Richardson vs Daniel Jones battle
— BTJ WR1 (@Duval_Til_I_Cry) August 8, 2025
Riley Leonard > Daniel Jones = Anthony Richardson
— Lucy 🦉🐦🏳️⚧️ (@renfan235) August 8, 2025
I'd much rather watch Riley Leonard than Daniel Jones.
— Midwest (@MidwestOTRL) August 8, 2025
Looks like it's already going to be a long season for the Colts. Unluckily for some, hilariously for others, it's only early August and the Daniel Jones experience is already in full effect. You hate to see it.