Colts Zaire Franklin shares his thoughts on Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones competition

What does Indianapolis Colts' linebacker Zaire Franklin think about the quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones?

On a recent appearance on Good Morning Football on the NFL Network, Franklin was asked about the addition of Jones to the Colts' quarterback room.

"I love Anthony," Franklin said. "Obviously, being in there with him in the trenches, through the highs and lows of the season last year, it was tough, but obviously supporting him and his growth.

"But I think with the turn of how we've seen some of these quarterbacks, who were drafted extremely high, get put in new situations and be able to blossom. You watch Geno Smith, you watch Sam Darnold, and the list goes on of these different guys who get in another building--Baker Mayfield--and they're able to, with a fresh set of eyes, fresh set of situations, they're able to be successful and be able to play up to the expectations of their draft status."

After the news broke that the Colts were signing Jones, Tom Pelissero spoke with Richardon's agent, Deiric Jackson, who said that "AR will be ready to roll." Richardson also spoke after the season about embracing whatever competition awaited him.

Both Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen have mentioned that they believe the competition can help Richardson elevate his game, and I'm sure that's the hope internally. The Colts want Richardson to be the guy, but given the inconsistent play up to this point, they can't necessarily bank on that right now either, hence the addition of Jones.

After being benched last season, Richardson responded well, and his play did improve once he returned to the starting lineup, which included leading a pair of fourth-quarter comebacks. Along with Ballard and Steichen, Franklin also believes that competition can be a good thing.

"Obviously, (Chris) Ballard was very big on having competition, and competition brought out the best in me and my career. When I came in with Darius Leonard and Bobby Okereke, Anthony Walker, EJ Speed, and those guys, those guys made me better every single day.

"I learned so much from their game and they learned from me. I think it was part of the reason we were all successful because we was able to grow together. Competition is going to help everybody. Obviously, I still love Anthony, still believing in Anthony, but I know Daniel Jones going to help elevate that room too."

Like the aforementioned Smith, Darnold, and Mayfield, Jones is looking to find success at a new stop.

Before being released by the New York Giants, Jones had completed 63% of his passes, his lowest mark since the 2020 season. He averaged just 6.1 yards per attempt--which ranked 39th out 44 quarterbacks--and Jones had eight touchdowns to seven interceptions, according to PFF.

He finished out the 2024 season with Minnesota, spending time on both the practice squad and the 53-man roster.