The Indianapolis Colts hope to work out a deal with impending free agent quarterback Daniel Jones.
The Indianapolis Colts suffered a monumental collapse in 2025, going from an 8-2 record and the top spot in the AFC to 8-9 and missing the playoffs within the course of seven weeks.
Arguably, the biggest reason for the team's early-season success was the play of quarterback Daniel Jones, who was in his first year with the team after spending a tumultuous first six years with the New York Giants
The synergy between Jones and head coach/offensive playcaller Shane Steichen was undeniable, and the pair was getting a high level of play from the offense's supporting cast.
As for the collapse, Jones is also likely the biggest reason, as a fractured fibula limited his mobility for a few weeks before a torn Achilles tendon in the opposite leg ended his season prematurely. Already losers of two in a row prior to the injury, it appeared to officially take the wind out of the team's sails.
The Colts hope that 2026 is about picking up where they left off before the collapse, but the first order of business is getting Jones back under contract, as he played on a one-year deal in Indianapolis last season.
Jones, Steichen, and general manager Chris Ballard have all expressed interest in Jones continuing his time in Indianapolis. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the two sides are nearing negotiations.
“My understanding is the Colts plan to open talks soon with Daniel Jones on a multi-year deal to keep him in Indianapolis... I am told Jones wants to be in Indianapolis, and the Colts want to work out a deal. If they can't, the franchise tag would be an option, but either way, the plan is Jones stays in Indy.”
As Pelissero mentioned, if a new contract isn't agreed upon by the spring, the Colts have until Tue., March 3, to franchise tag Jones if they choose, buying them more time. This year's franchise tag figure for quarterbacks is $47.3 million for 2026 (OverTheCap.com).
Jones reached several personal bests in 2025. His win percentage (61.5%), completion percentage (68.0%), passing yards per attempt (8.1), passing yards per game (238.5), passer rating (100.2), and QBR (63.1) were all single-season career highs. Jones was also on pace to set new marks in completions, pass attempts, passing yards, passing touchdowns, and passing first downs.
NFL free agency officially opens when the new league year begins at 4:00 p.m. ET on Wed., March 11.
Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.