The Indianapolis Colts are at a crossroads as they consider whether to re-sign quarterback Daniel Jones ahead of the 2026 NFL free agency. Both the team and Jones have expressed a desire to continue their partnership, but uncertainties linger until a contract is officially in place.
Jones, 28, had an impressive start to the 2025 season, boasting a completion rate of 71.2%, averaging 257.8 passing yards per game, along with 13 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions through the first eight weeks. However, his season took a drastic turn following a broken bone in his left leg, culminating in a torn right Achilles tendon that ended his year prematurely. Given the timing of this serious injury, his availability for the start of the 2026 season remains in question.
As it stands, the Colts have quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard under contract for the upcoming season. Jones currently commands an average annual value of $43.6 million, the highest among the free agents expected to hit the market. The pressing question is how much he will earn from any team willing to sign him.
### Jones’ Ranking Among Free Agents
In a recent analysis by Pro Football Focus, Jones was ranked 42nd overall among 250 free agents for 2026, placing him third among quarterbacks, behind Malik Willis and Aaron Rodgers. The projected deal for Jones stands at three years, potentially reaching $101 million with $56 million guaranteed.
Pro Football Focus commented on his performance: “Jones’ 2025 season opened on a strong note before unraveling down the stretch,” noting his initial 80.3 PFF grade during the first half of the season, which slipped to 55.1 in the latter part. Despite a resurgence in Week 13 where he recorded an 84.2 grade against a formidable Houston defense, his season concluded with a disappointing 36.9 grade due to the Achilles injury.
### Evaluating Jones’ Performance
Across his career, Jones has maintained a consistent performance level, never finishing a season with a PFF grade below 63.0 or above 78.4. However, ball security remains a significant concern; in 2025, he recorded 18 turnover-worthy plays compared to just 13 big-time throws. This imbalance raises questions about his effectiveness as a quarterback.
In a ranking by Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News, Jones was positioned 24th overall, again trailing behind Rodgers and Willis. Iyer highlighted Jones’ efficiency as a passer, noting he adapted well to Coach Shane Steichen’s system, showcasing a strong deep ball and an ability to perform under pressure. The key challenge now is whether he can recover quickly enough from his Achilles injury to remain the top quarterback option for the Colts.
### Free Agency Outlook
ESPN analyst Matt Bowen placed Jones fourth overall and the top available quarterback in his free agency rankings. Bowen emphasized that while the Achilles injury could delay Jones’ return, his performance under Steichen indicated significant improvement. By Week 13, Jones’ 64.1 QBR ranked eighth in the league, reflecting a stronger sense of timing in his throws.
According to Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports, the Colts are fully invested in Jones, especially after trading two first-round picks for defensive player Sauce Gardner at the trade deadline. Pereles speculated that if the Colts decide to seek an insurance option at quarterback, they might consider former Colt Joe Flacco, although he believes the Cincinnati Bengals will likely retain Flacco.
### Upcoming Free Agency Timeline
The NFL’s new year kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on March 11, 2026, with a “legal tampering” period beginning at noon ET on March 9. During this timeframe, teams can negotiate with players and their agents, setting the stage for potential deals as teams prepare for the upcoming season.
With estimates placing the 2026 NFL salary cap between $301.2 million and $305.7 million, the official figure will be disclosed in early March, following a salary cap of $279.2 million in 2025. As the Colts weigh their options, the decision regarding Jones will significantly impact their strategy heading into the 2026 season.
