Indianapolis Colts Commit to Quarterback Daniel Jones with Lucrative Two-Year Deal
The Indianapolis Colts have solidified their quarterback position by agreeing to a new contract with Daniel Jones, a deal that could be worth up to $100 million over two years. According to a source familiar with the negotiations who spoke to the Associated Press on Wednesday, Jones is set to receive $88 million in base salary over the next two seasons, with $50 million guaranteed, and has the potential to earn an additional $12 million through performance incentives.
Promising Start and Injury Challenges
Daniel Jones, who joined the Colts after a stint with the New York Giants, showcased strong performance in the early part of the 2025 season, leading the offense to a productive 10-game start. However, his campaign was derailed by a series of injuries. After the bye week, Jones played through a hairline fracture in his left leg, only to suffer a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in early December. His availability for the upcoming season opener in September remains uncertain, though Colts general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen have expressed optimism that Jones might participate in training camp.
Injuries have been a recurring issue for Jones, the No. 6 overall draft pick in 2019. He was limited to just six games in 2023 and started 10 games for the Giants in 2024 before being benched and released. Despite these setbacks, Jones found a successful fit with the Colts, completing 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards last season—his highest total since leading the Giants to the playoffs in 2022. He also threw 19 touchdown passes, his best since 2019, with eight interceptions.
Colts' Offseason Strategy and Roster Moves
General manager Chris Ballard identified re-signing Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce as top priorities this offseason. Pierce, who led all NFL qualifiers in yards per reception in both 2024 and 2025, recently agreed to a four-year, $116 million deal with the Colts. To facilitate keeping Jones and Pierce together, the Colts traded longtime No. 1 receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a late-round draft pick. Jones and Pierce developed a strong on-field and off-field rapport last season, making their retention a key focus for the team.
The Colts may also be in the market for a backup quarterback after granting Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade. Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in 2023, lost the starting job to Jones in training camp last season and later suffered an eye injury in a pregame accident, sidelining him for the remainder of the year.
This contract extension underscores the Colts' confidence in Daniel Jones as their franchise quarterback, despite his injury history, as they aim to build a competitive roster for the upcoming NFL seasons.
