Indianapolis, IN - The Indianapolis Colts made a bold move by signing veteran quarterback Daniel Jones after his departure from the New York Giants, who originally picked him 6th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Jones joined the Colts on a 1-year, $14 million 'prove-it' deal, and he wasted no time proving his worth. Competing with third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., a former 4th overall pick, Jones emerged as the starter, surprising many fans. His leadership sparked a remarkable offensive surge for the Colts.
Unfortunately, Jones's comeback was cut short by two significant injuries: a fractured fibula in Week 12 and an Achilles tear in Week 14. While there’s optimism about his return by the start of the 2026-27 season, relying on such a quick recovery remains a gamble.
This analysis kicks off a new series exploring the Colts’ top free agents, weighing the pros and cons of retaining each player, starting with Jones.
In Favor Of Retaining Jones
Jones is a top priority for the Colts in free agency. His command of the offense under head coach Shane Steichen was impressive, making him a potential Comeback Player of the Year and even an early MVP contender.
Over 13 games, Jones completed 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards, with 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. He also contributed on the ground with 164 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns.
Despite his injuries, Jones showed incredible resilience, playing through pain and demonstrating his commitment to the team. His ability to elevate the Colts’ offense makes a strong case for his return.
The Case Against Retaining Jones
Jones's hot start cooled off due to injuries, and some old habits resurfaced. In Weeks 9 and 10 against the Steelers and Falcons, he threw four interceptions and fumbled six times.
His injury history is also a concern, with twelve injuries over seven years, six of which were significant. This raises questions about his durability and whether he can maintain his performance level.
The Verdict
The consensus is that Jones will likely stay in Indianapolis, with strong support from teammates and staff. Despite his injury history, the chemistry between Jones and Steichen is promising.
Re-signing Jones appears to be the prudent move, especially since the Colts lack a first-round draft pick for the next two years after trading for star cornerback Sauce Gardner. This gives them two seasons to assess their direction. If needed, they could pivot halfway through a potential four-year deal, allowing flexibility for future decisions.
In essence, the Colts have a chance to stabilize their quarterback situation with Jones while keeping an eye on future opportunities for growth and development.