The Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for a pivotal offseason, with some key decisions looming on the horizon. As the 2026 NFL free agency period unofficially kicks off on March 9, the Colts face a significant choice regarding quarterback Daniel Jones. With the official signing window opening on March 11, the question remains: will Jones be donning a different jersey next season?
The Colts could place the franchise tag on Jones, but if they don't, he's free to explore lucrative offers elsewhere. It's the nature of the game-players seek the best opportunities, both financially and professionally.
If Jones departs, the Colts will need to consider their options beyond current roster members Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard. One name in the mix is Malik Willis. After a rocky start with the Tennessee Titans, Willis found some rhythm with the Green Bay Packers over the past two seasons, showing flashes of potential.
However, the Colts should think twice before pursuing Willis. Firstly, his price tag might not offer the savings one would expect. According to projections, Willis could command around $35.5 million annually, not far off from Jones' estimated $43.6 million per season.
Moreover, Willis' experience is limited. While Jones has a solid 82 starts under his belt, Willis has only started six games in four seasons. Despite his impressive performances with the Packers-completing 78.7 percent of his passes with a stellar quarterback rating of 134.6-these numbers come from a small sample size.
Willis' success might be attributed to fitting well within Matt LaFleur's offensive scheme in Green Bay. Whether he could replicate that success under Shane Steichen in Indianapolis is uncertain.
One area where Willis might edge out Jones is durability. Jones has struggled with injuries, having three seasons cut short. For the Colts to make a serious playoff push in 2026, retaining a healthy Jones would be crucial.
As the Colts weigh their options, the decision will hinge on balancing potential, cost, and the ability to lead the team deep into the postseason.