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The Indianapolis Colts may have limped to the finish line in 2025, but one thing appears increasingly clear as the offseason approaches: Daniel Jones remains central to their long-term plans, even as he rehabs a serious Achilles injury.
Despite a late-season collapse and major questions at quarterback, momentum is building toward a multi-year commitment between Jones and the Colts-one that could define the franchise's direction heading into 2026 and beyond.
Colts' confidence in Daniel Jones remains strong
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Indianapolis is preparing to open contract negotiations with Jones after what many inside the organization viewed as a breakthrough year.
Let's talk a little bit about the Colts and their quarterback plans. My understanding is the Colts plan to open talks soon with Daniel Jones on a multi-year deal to keep him in Indianapolis. Jones got to Indy last year on a one-year contract [and] was playing his best football the first half of the season until he suffered injuries, including a torn Achilles that he is rehabbing right now.
Before injuries derailed his season, Jones was not just productive-he was emerging as a legitimate MVP candidate. Through the first half of the year, the Colts raced to an 8-2 record, and Jones' efficiency, decision-making, and command of Shane Steichen's offense drew league-wide attention.
That momentum stalled when Jones suffered multiple injuries down the stretch, culminating in a season-ending Achilles tear. Still, the organization's belief in what it saw early appears unchanged.
Pelissero added, "I am told Jones wants to be in Indianapolis [and] the Colts want to work out a deal. If they can't, the franchise tag would be an option. But either way, the plan is Jones stays in Indy."
Contract options, cap space, and the Achilles factor for Jones
From a financial standpoint, the Colts are positioned to be flexible. Indianapolis enters the 2026 offseason with roughly $35.6 million in cap space and a massive $179 million projected for 2027. That cushion gives the front office room to structure a deal that protects the team while accounting for Jones' injury recovery.
Daniel Jones stats before the injury:
- 3,101 yards
- 24 total TDs
- 8 INTs
The challenge, however, lies in balancing long-term risk. An Achilles injury is significant for any quarterback, and while Jones is reportedly progressing well in rehab, Indianapolis must decide how much guaranteed money it's comfortable committing before he returns to game action.
At the same time, the Colts' margin for error is thin. The aggressive trade for Sauce Gardner at the deadline cost Indianapolis two first-round picks, leaving the team without premium draft capital in both 2026 and 2027. That reality makes continuity at quarterback even more valuable.
A franchise tag remains a fallback option if negotiations stall, but all signs point toward a longer commitment-one that would signal trust not only in Jones' health but also in his fit within Steichen's system.
For now, Jones and the Colts appear aligned. Whether that alignment turns into a multi-year extension this offseason or a short-term bridge deal, Indianapolis has made its stance clear: Daniel Jones is expected to remain the face of the franchise as the Colts push toward 2026.