The Indianapolis Colts are currently engaged in advanced discussions with quarterback Daniel Jones regarding a long-term contract extension, aiming to secure him as their definitive starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. This development follows a tumultuous period for Jones, who endured a difficult conclusion to his tenure with the New York Giants in 2024 before revitalising his career with the Colts last season.
Jones's Impact and Injury Setback
After joining the Colts, Jones demonstrated significant promise, leading the team to an impressive 8-4 record during the 2025 campaign. His performance offered a fresh start and injected optimism into the franchise. However, his season was abruptly cut short in Week 14 when he suffered a devastating torn Achilles tendon. This injury not only ended Jones's personal season but also precipitated a dramatic collapse for the Colts, who subsequently lost six consecutive games to finish the regular season, ultimately missing the playoffs entirely.
Organizational Confidence and Contract Details
Despite the unfortunate injury, the Colts' management evidently saw sufficient potential in Jones during his healthy stint to pursue a multi-year agreement. According to a report from NFL Insider Tom Pelissero on Monday, negotiations are actively underway to keep Jones in Indianapolis long-term. The financial terms of the prospective deal remain undisclosed. Notably, Jones played under a one-year contract worth $14 million in 2025, a period during which the team flourished under his leadership until his injury.
Quarterback Dynamics and Anthony Richardson's Situation
Jones's ascent with the Colts involved displacing Anthony Richardson as the starting quarterback. Richardson, selected by the Colts with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been hampered by persistent injury issues since his arrival. Last year, Richardson was unavailable to step in after Jones's Achilles tear due to his own injury—a fractured orbital bone sustained in October from a freak accident involving a snapped resistance band in the gym.
This context has fueled increasing speculation that the Colts might consider trading Richardson. With Jones now poised to potentially return as the long-term number one quarterback, trade rumors surrounding Richardson are expected to intensify further. The Colts must navigate the trade market astutely, especially given their current draft capital constraints.
Draft Pick Implications and Future Outlook
Compounding the team's strategic challenges, the Colts do not possess a first-round pick in this year's draft. This absence stems from a trade with the New York Jets before the 2025 deadline, where they exchanged their first-round selection for cornerback Sauce Gardner, also including their 2027 first-round pick in the deal. Meanwhile, Jones is diligently focusing on his rehabilitation from the Achilles injury, striving to be fully prepared for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, as the Colts look to rebuild and compete effectively in the coming years.
