Daniel Jones had one of the best starts to his career in the 2025 season with the Indianapolis Colts. The quarterback was on his way to having his best passing numbers in almost every metric before suffering a fractured leg and torn ACL, which sidelined him for the rest of the season.
After his success in Shane Steichen’s offense, Indy brought Jones back on a two-year, $88 million deal, but the quarterback’s chances of starting next season appear to be slim.
Riley Leonard, the team’s sixth-round draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, appears to be the frontrunner to be the starting quarterback if Jones is not 100% by Week 1.
Riley Leonard Opens Up About Starting QB Job
GettyRiley Leonard opens up about the chances of his being the Colts starter for the 2026 season
The former Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback played in 5 games his rookie season, but started the season finale after the team was eliminated from playoff contention. In the start, Riley Leonard recorded 270 passing yards and 2 touchdown passes, with an interception, while rushing for 21 yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans‘ defense.
With Daniel Jones recovering and Anthony Richardson requesting a trade (and not appearing at the team’s voluntary OTAs), Leonard has the opportunity to be the Colts’ starter for the 2026 season.
“As cliché as it sounds, taking it one day at a time,” Leonard said when asked about both other QBs not being ready. “It’s very well known that there’s a chance that I get the thumbs up early. Looking forward to that opportunity, but really, it’s more ‘what can I do tomorrow to put myself in a better position to help this team out.’”
Leonard replaced Jones in Week 14 after he suffered his ACL tear, putting up 145 passing yards and logging a touchdown with his legs. In total, Leonard has registered 415 passing yards, 2 touchdown passes, 3 interceptions and 2 rushing TDs in the limited action he saw in his rookie season.
Now appearing to be a starter, Riley Leonard will have an opportunity to showcase that he can be a starting quarterback in the National Football League.
Shane Steichen on Riley Leonard
GettyIndianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen
Riley Leonard was the third option for the Indianapolis Colts in the 2025 season, but with multiple injuries to the position room, the QB has a notable chance to start this upcoming season.
With OTAs starting, Shane Steichen spoke to the media and revealed what he hopes from Leonard in the team’s spring training and eventual training camp.
“We’re just starting the meetings, but again, just taking the next step heading into year 2 with the system,” Steichen said of Leonard. “Looking forward to OTAs with him getting a lot of reps.”
“You just want to see daily improvement, I mean that’s what we’re focused on right now, is the process of getting better every day…. What Riley was able to do when he stepped in last year was impressive. So, we want to see continued growth with the understanding of the offense, the playmaking ability, getting completions, taking what’s there, not making bad plays worse. And we’ll go from there.”
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