The Indianapolis Colts have made a significant move by securing quarterback Daniel Jones with a two-year, $88 million contract, potentially rising to $100 million with incentives. This deal, reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz, marks the largest two-year contract in NFL history and reflects the Colts' commitment to their star QB.
Jones returns to the Colts after a standout season that was unfortunately cut short due to a torn Achilles. His performance prior to the injury had the Colts looking like serious Super Bowl contenders, boasting one of the league's most dynamic offenses. Jones racked up 3,101 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, along with five rushing touchdowns before his season ended.
The Colts have also invested heavily in wide receiver Alec Pierce, ensuring that this explosive duo remains intact for the foreseeable future. Interestingly, Pierce reportedly took a slightly smaller deal to facilitate Jones' return, demonstrating the team's unified vision for success.
Jones' contract is structured to pay him $50 million in the first year, setting a record for this type of deal. The Colts initially placed a transition tag on Jones, but the new agreement boosts his 2026 salary by $12.2 million. Clearly, bringing Jones back was a top priority as the team aims to regain the momentum they had before his injury.
With Jones off the market, the landscape for veteran quarterbacks is shifting. Teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers are now eyeing other available QBs, such as Aaron Rodgers, Kyler Murray, and Kirk Cousins, as they look to fill their own needs at the position.
In a related note, the Colts found themselves with more cap flexibility after missing out on edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who opted to sign with the Ravens. This allowed them to focus resources on solidifying their quarterback situation, setting the stage for what could be an exciting season ahead.