Colts and Browns Name Starting Quarterbacks, Saints Still Waiting

With the NFL regular season quickly approaching, two teams have ended speculation at quarterback—while one continues to evaluate its options. The Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns have officially named their starters, but the New Orleans Saints are holding off on making a decision just yet.

Colts Go With Daniel Jones

The Indianapolis Colts have announced that Daniel Jones will be their starting quarterback for Week 1. Head coach Shane Steichen dismissed the idea of a “quick leash,” emphasizing that the team is committed to giving Jones a real opportunity to lead the offense.

The decision comes after a competitive training camp where Jones was battling Anthony Richardson. While some critics have questioned whether the move is a long-term play or even a sign of the Colts angling for a future draft pick, Steichen made it clear that Jones earned the starting job with his consistency and leadership throughout the preseason.

Browns Turn to Joe Flacco

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns are turning to a veteran presence under center. Joe Flacco, now 40 years old, has officially been named the starter for their opener against the Bengals.

Flacco outperformed Kenny Pickett, rookie Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, and Tyler Huntley during camp, taking the majority of first-team reps. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said the decision was made earlier than expected to give the team clarity heading into the season.

For Flacco, the moment carries extra weight—Week 2 will see him face his former team, the Baltimore Ravens, where he spent more than a decade and won a Super Bowl. Despite the milestone, Flacco has kept his focus on the present, calling it “business as usual.”

Saints Still Sorting It Out

The New Orleans Saints remain the last of the three teams without a declared starting quarterback. Following Derek Carr’s surprise retirement, the competition has been wide open between Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler, and rookie Tyler Shough.

New head coach Kellen Moore has praised all three for their progress and said the upcoming preseason finale against the Broncos will be a critical factor in his decision. For now, the Saints are content to let the competition play out before naming a QB1.

The Big Picture

• Colts: Daniel Jones earns the nod, bringing stability after an unsettled offseason.

• Browns: Joe Flacco’s veteran leadership wins out in a crowded QB room.

• Saints: Still evaluating, with no decision yet between Haener, Rattler, and Shough.

Two AFC teams have clarity under center, while New Orleans continues to weigh its options. With Week 1 rapidly approaching, the spotlight now turns to the Saints to make their choice.