Indianapolis Colts officials are preparing to enter contract negotiations with quarterback Daniel Jones, signaling a potential long-term commitment to the player who arrived in Indiana last year, according to reports emerging on .
The move comes after an encouraging, albeit injury-shortened, 2025 season for Jones, who demonstrated a level of consistency at the quarterback position the Colts haven’t seen since the retirement of Andrew Luck. While the team’s overall performance didn’t meet expectations, the front office appears convinced Jones can be the foundation for future success.
NFL Media Insider Tom Pelissero first reported the Colts’ intention to initiate multi-year contract talks. The possibility of utilizing the franchise tag to secure Jones’s services while longer-term negotiations proceed has also been discussed internally, Pelissero added. This would allow the Colts additional time to structure a deal that satisfies both parties.
Jones joined the Colts on a one-year contract prior to the 2025 season, and quickly established himself as a key component of the offense. He was reportedly playing at a high level, even entering the conversation for MVP consideration, before suffering a series of injuries. A fractured fibula initially hampered his mobility and throwing power, but a subsequent torn Achilles tendon in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars ultimately ended his season.
Despite the setbacks, Jones’s resilience and performance prior to the injuries appear to have resonated with the Colts’ leadership. The team recognizes the value of a quarterback who can provide stability, a commodity that has eluded them for years. The Colts have been searching for a consistent signal-caller since Luck’s unexpected retirement in 2019, cycling through a series of quarterbacks with limited success.
Sources indicate that Jones is also keen to remain in Indianapolis. This mutual desire to forge a long-term partnership is a positive sign for both sides, although challenges remain. The Colts currently have approximately $35.60 million in cap space for the 2026 offseason, and a substantial $179.23 million available for 2027, providing financial flexibility to negotiate a significant contract.
However, the Colts also recently invested heavily in defensive talent, trading two first-round draft picks for Sauce Gardner at the trade deadline. This strategic move, while bolstering the defense, leaves the team without a first-round pick in both the upcoming draft and the 2027 draft, potentially impacting their ability to address other roster needs.
The negotiations will likely center around the contract’s length and financial terms, particularly given Jones’s recent injury history. The Achilles tendon tear is a significant concern, and the Colts will need to assess his recovery progress and long-term health before committing to a multi-year deal. The franchise tag, valued at approximately $25 million for a quarterback in 2026, would provide a temporary solution while allowing the team to monitor Jones’s rehabilitation and negotiate a more comprehensive agreement.
The Colts’ decision to prioritize Jones reflects a broader trend in the NFL, where teams are increasingly valuing quarterback stability and continuity. The league has witnessed numerous instances of teams investing heavily in quarterbacks, often at the expense of other positions, in pursuit of championship contention. The success of teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, built around a long-term commitment to Patrick Mahomes, has underscored the importance of having a franchise quarterback.
The situation in Indianapolis also highlights the challenges of navigating the NFL’s complex salary cap and draft dynamics. The Colts must balance their desire to retain Jones with the need to address other roster deficiencies and maintain financial flexibility for the future. The trade for Gardner demonstrates their willingness to make bold moves, but it also underscores the importance of careful planning and resource allocation.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the Colts and Jones’s representatives begin formal contract discussions. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the team’s trajectory and its ability to compete in the AFC. The Colts’ pursuit of a consistent quarterback solution has been a defining narrative of the past several seasons, and the potential signing of Jones to a long-term contract could finally bring that search to an end.
The Indianapolis Colts’ commitment to Daniel Jones represents a calculated risk, one that hinges on his ability to recover fully from a serious injury and replicate the promising form he displayed before being sidelined. The team’s willingness to engage in multi-year contract talks signals a belief in Jones’s potential and a determination to build a competitive roster around him. The NFL landscape is constantly evolving, and the Colts’ decision to invest in Jones could prove to be a pivotal moment in their quest for sustained success.
