INDIANAPOLIS - A New Chapter for Daniel Jones and the Colts
In the world of NFL quarterbacks, Daniel Jones has always been the quiet type, but his actions speak volumes. Fresh off signing a significant new contract with the Indianapolis Colts, Jones allowed himself a rare moment of celebration, marking a pivotal point in his career.
Just a year ago, Jones was at a crossroads. On March 13, 2025, he joined the Colts on a one-year, $14 million deal, eager to prove he still had what it takes to lead a team. Fast forward to March 12, 2026, and Jones has inked a two-year, $88 million contract, solidifying his role as the Colts' quarterback for the foreseeable future.
Reflecting on his journey, Jones shared, “Playing quarterback in the NFL, you see a lot, experience a lot of different things and learn a lot. I’d rather be in this situation than a year ago.”
Jones' path to Indianapolis came after a rocky tenure with the New York Giants, who drafted him sixth overall in 2019. Released during the 2024 season, he joined the Colts amidst an open quarterback competition.
By the end of the 2025 offseason, Jones had emerged as the starter, taking the reins from Anthony Richardson. Despite skepticism from some corners, Jones quickly turned doubters into believers, leading the Colts to an impressive 8-2 start and the top of the AFC standings.
The Colts' offense was firing on all cylinders, averaging a league-best 32.1 points per game through the first ten games. This offensive explosion was enough to convince Colts GM Chris Ballard and owner Carlie Irsay to make a bold move, trading their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks for star cornerback Sauce Gardner. This trade underscored their confidence in Jones as their franchise quarterback, even as the season ended on a sour note due to injuries.
Jones' own injury woes, including a fractured fibula and a torn Achilles, derailed the Colts' promising season. Despite a seven-game losing streak to close out the year, the Colts doubled down on Jones, first with a transition tag and then with a lucrative new deal.
“I made it clear to my agents and the Colts that I wanted to be here,” Jones stated, expressing his commitment to Indianapolis. His focus now is on getting healthy and staying that way, a challenge given his history of injuries, including a torn ACL and neck injury in previous seasons.
With the new season approaching, Jones aims to be ready by Week 1, though he remains cautious about setting a firm timeline. If he's not ready, the Colts may turn to Riley Leonard, a promising sixth-round pick from 2025. Meanwhile, Anthony Richardson's future with the team remains uncertain after his trade request.
Jones' health and durability are crucial, as he steps into an offense that will look different without Michael Pittman Jr., who was traded to the Steelers. Alec Pierce, who had a breakout year in 2025, is set to take over as the top receiver, and his decision to stay with the Colts was influenced by Jones' presence.
The Colts are betting on Jones to lead them into a successful future, despite the small sample size of their success last season. As Jones himself put it, “We’re confident because I think we’ve seen what we could be, and there’s a high sense of urgency to get back to that.”
Time will tell if the Colts' faith in Jones will pay off, but one thing is clear: both the quarterback and the franchise are ready to prove themselves once again.