Former Indianapolis Colts punter-turned-ESPN host Pat McAfee has be one of, if not the most outspoken voices criticizing the current direction of the franchise.
McAfee went scorched earth on the Colts during last season for the way they handled their quarterback situation (they bounced back and forth between Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco seemingly on a week-to-week basis), calling out the team's management for not giving fans a clear direction for the team.
But Indianapolis did something on Tuesday that may have pulled McAfee back onto its bandwagon when the team signed quarterback Daniel Jones, the No. 6 pick in the 2019 draft who finished the season with the Minnesota Vikings after being cut by the New York Giants midseason, to a one-year, $14 million deal.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones (13) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
"Look out AFC South, look out AFC - we got our guy," McAfee said on Tuesday's "Pat McAfee Show." "… Look at the legs on Daniel Jones, look at the upper body on Daniel Jones, look at the running ability of Daniel Jones, and obviously, he can spin it with some slants and he can hit it whenever he has to.
"Now, will he be able to make the right decision all the time? We shall see. He's a Duke guy, should have a high IQ. But he and (head coach) Shane Steichen, with (receiver Michael) Pittman and the boys - goodbye to the bad times; hello to the great times."
Shortly after signing Jones, the Colts announced there would be an open quarterback competition between him and Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in 2023.
However, McAfee and fellow ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky, whose contract with the network expired but still appears on its shows, pointed out that by bringing in Jones, it may actually spell the end of Richardson's time with the team.
"That's a lot of money for the chance to start. Richardson ask for a trade?" Orlovsky tweeted.
"That sounds like a good idea.. fresh start for a guy with MASSIVE upside," McAfee replied.
The Colts went all-in on Richardson as their QB1 last year only to be rewarded with a mediocre season. The 22-year-old signal-caller went 6-5 as the starter, passing for 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions while adding 499 yards and six touchdowns.
Given how rough his 2024 season was, Richardson may be on a short leash in training camp. It wouldn't come as much of a surprise if he did request a trade if he believes that Jones blocks his path to being a starter.
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This story was originally published March 11, 2025 at 11:19 AM.