Daniel Jones Joins NFL’s Emerging Second-Act QB Trend
The NFL is witnessing an intriguing trend with quarterbacks like Daniel Jones, who have revived their careers after tumultuous beginnings. After being drafted sixth overall by the New York Giants in 2019, Jones faced numerous obstacles, including coaching changes and lack of support, which hindered his performance.
Daniel Jones’ Journey
In 2024, the Giants released Jones, leading him to spend time on the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad. Eventually, he signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts to compete with rookie Anthony Richardson. So far, Jones has shown an impressive resurgence, achieving a completion percentage of 71.2, accruing 2,062 yards, and throwing 13 touchdowns against just three interceptions. His leadership has propelled the Colts to a league-leading 7-1 record, validating the team’s decision to shift from Richardson.
Emerging Quarterbacks in the League
Jones joins other quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Geno Smith, and Mac Jones, who have also faced significant challenges and have rebounded to achieve success. These players were all drafted in the early rounds and found themselves struggling in their initial teams, yet they have managed to flourish under new conditions.
- Baker Mayfield: Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2018.
- Sam Darnold: Selected third overall by the New York Jets in the same year.
- Geno Smith: Chosen in the second round in 2013, had a rocky start before redefining his role.
- Mac Jones: Drafted 15th overall by the New England Patriots in 2021, faced struggles in 2022.
Despite their high draft status and physical abilities, they have experienced tough beginnings due to poorly managed teams and organizational chaos. The state of the franchises they joined often impeded their initial development.
Importance of Support Systems
Support around a quarterback is essential for success. Executives emphasize that without a solid system, talented quarterbacks often flounder. Many of these players have proven that, when placed in nurturing environments with competent coaching and resources, they can significantly improve their performance.
Jones illustrates this correlation well. His stint with the Colts, under Coach Shane Steichen, has led to one of the league’s top offenses. With a strong offensive line and support from players like running back Jonathan Taylor, Jones has thrived, demonstrating that a conducive environment can revive a player’s career.
Future Prospects and Risks
While many quarterbacks have turned their careers around, there are no guarantees. Several, like Mayfield and Darnold, have experienced downsides in their transitions. The NFL landscape shows that teams must refine their strategies when developing quarterbacks. Investing in homegrown quarterbacks can be costly, with average salaries approaching $55 million annually, but there is no clear indication that such expenditures lead to immediate success.
Franchises that prioritize building a supportive structure around their quarterbacks often find greater long-term success. As Daniel Jones continues to demonstrate, the right circumstances can transform a struggling player into a star, reflecting a growing trend of second chances in the league.
