As the offseason looms, the Colts face pivotal decisions regarding QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce, with both the franchise and transition tags in play.
Daniel Jones stands out as a prime candidate for the franchise tag. The team faces a hefty $47 million price tag for 2026, a significant figure, especially considering Jones is coming off an Achilles injury.
Yet, his potential value can't be overlooked. In 2025, Jones showcased his skills in 13 games, completing 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
His mobility was also on display with 164 rushing yards and five additional touchdowns.
Jones, who was the sixth overall pick by the Giants in the 2019 NFL Draft, is set to become an unrestricted free agent after his one-year, $14 million stint in 2025. The projected franchise tag for quarterbacks in 2026 sits at $47.3 million, a reflection of the premium placed on the position.
On the receiving end, Alec Pierce has made a compelling case for himself as well. Drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Pierce has been a reliable target for the Colts.
In 2025, he recorded 47 receptions on 84 targets, amassing 1,004 yards with an impressive 21.3 yards per catch and six touchdowns. With the current free-agent wide-receiver class lacking depth, Pierce's value is on the rise.
Pierce is in the final year of his rookie contract, which was a four-year deal worth $6,601,342, including a $1,980,976 signing bonus. The Colts might consider negotiating a short-term extension to keep him in Indianapolis, especially if they opt to tag Jones.
As the Colts weigh their options, the decisions on Jones and Pierce could significantly shape their strategy and roster for the upcoming season. Fans will be watching closely as the team navigates these crucial contract negotiations.