The Indianapolis Colts have a pressing issue in front of them - figuring out who’s going to line up under center this week. But zoom out just a bit, and there’s a much bigger question looming, one that could shape part of their offseason strategy: What’s next for Daniel Jones?
Jones, who suffered a torn Achilles, is officially done for the season. And with Week 1 of next year already in doubt, the injury couldn’t have come at a more complicated time. He’s on a one-year deal, which means he’ll hit free agency in the offseason - and that opens the door to a lot of uncertainty.
For the Colts, the situation is tricky. Do they bring back a quarterback rehabbing from a major injury?
Or do they move on, knowing they need more stability at the position? Achilles injuries are no joke, especially for a quarterback whose game relies in part on mobility.
And with no guarantee Jones will be ready to go by the start of next season, it’s a gamble - even on a short-term deal.
Still, there’s a case to be made that Indianapolis might be the best place for him to land again. According to reporting from ESPN, there’s a belief that the Colts make the most sense if both sides are open to a shorter, bridge-type contract. That would allow Jones to rehab in a familiar environment, and potentially step back into a role once healthy - if the team hasn’t already found a more permanent solution.
But there’s another team worth watching: the Minnesota Vikings.
Jones spent the second half of the 2024 season in Minnesota after being released by the Giants, serving as Sam Darnold’s backup. While he never saw the field in a meaningful way, he did get the benefit of learning the system and building a rapport with the coaching staff. And that could matter now.
There’s some logic to the idea of Jones returning to the Vikings - a team that liked him enough to bring him in last season, even if they couldn’t promise him a starting job at the time. That familiarity could be valuable as he works his way back from injury. Rehab is as much about trust as it is about treatment, and Minnesota’s staff already knows what they’re getting with him.
Here’s where it gets interesting: the Vikings have J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings.
The rookie is expected to be the guy moving forward, but he’s still unproven. If Jones were to land back in Minnesota, the timing of his recovery could line up perfectly.
McCarthy would likely get the first few weeks of the season to show what he’s got. If he lights it up, great - the Vikings have their guy.
But if he struggles, Jones could be a steady veteran option waiting in the wings.
For Jones, it’s not just about where he can play - it’s about where he can get healthy, stay involved, and potentially compete again. For the Colts and Vikings, it’s about balancing upside with risk, and deciding how much patience they’re willing to have.
The injury was a tough break for Jones, no question. But it’s also added another layer of intrigue to what’s already shaping up to be a fascinating quarterback market this offseason. Whether it’s Indy, Minnesota, or somewhere else entirely, Jones will be one of the more compelling names to watch - not just for what he’s done, but for what he still might be able to do.