The Indianapolis Colts have secured their quarterback for the foreseeable future after agreeing to a new contract with Daniel Jones. The two sides reached an agreement on a two-year deal worth $88 million that can reach up to $100 million with incentives, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The contract includes $50 million fully guaranteed at signing and $60 million guaranteed for injury, signaling the Colts’ confidence in Jones as the centerpiece of their offense moving forward.
Jones expressed excitement about returning to Indianapolis shortly after the deal was finalized. “I’m fired up,” Jones said on The Pat McAfee Show. “Fired up to be back and definitely grateful for the opportunity to be back and here with the Colts.” Despite recovering from a torn Achilles suffered late in the 2025 season, Jones said his rehab process is progressing well and that his goal is to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season.
The Colts had previously placed the rarely used transition tag on Jones before the March 3 deadline, which would have paid him $37.8 million for the 2026 season while allowing the team to match outside offers. Instead, Indianapolis chose to finalize a long-term extension that keeps Jones under contract through the 2027 season. The deal pays Jones roughly $44 million per year, placing him among the higher-paid quarterbacks in the league.
Indianapolis’ commitment to Jones stems from the resurgence he experienced during the 2025 season. After signing a one-year deal with the Colts and winning the starting job over Anthony Richardson during training camp, Jones led one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL during the first half of the season. The Colts jumped out to an 8-2 start before injuries derailed their playoff push.
Jones produced some of the best numbers of his career before his season-ending injury. He set career highs in completion percentage at 68 percent, yards per attempt at 8.1, and QBR at 63.0. He also ranked among the league leaders in several advanced metrics, finishing third in net yards per attempt and ninth in passer rating. His ability to operate head coach Shane Steichen’s offense efficiently helped transform the Colts into one of the league’s most dangerous attacks early in the year.
The extension also comes during a busy offseason for Indianapolis’ offense. The Colts re-signed wide receiver Alec Pierce to a four-year deal worth $116 million but traded veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers, creating a shift in the team’s receiving corps. Jones said he was excited to continue working with Pierce but admitted he was disappointed to see Pittman leave.
For Indianapolis, the goal is clear: build around Jones and replicate the success the team showed early in 2025. The Colts still feature star running back Jonathan Taylor, a strong offensive line, and emerging tight end Tyler Warren, giving Jones a solid offensive foundation once he returns from injury.
If Jones can fully recover from his Achilles injury and regain the form he showed before getting hurt, the Colts believe they have their quarterback in place to compete in the AFC for the next several seasons.
