Colts To Begin Daniel Jones Negotiations Soon; Franchise Tag Possible
It has long been known a mutual desire exists between the Colts and quarterback Daniel Jones to finalize a contract for 2026 and beyond. Work on attaining that goal should begin shortly. 
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports (video link) talks on a long-term deal are expected to open in the near future. Jones’ debut Indianapolis campaign started off extremely well, and his Achilles tear proved to be highly costly. Since then, a full recovery has been projected in time for the 2026 campaign.
The Colts’ QB plan this spring will of course hinge largely on their ability to retain Jones. The former Giants first-rounder hopes to remain in Indianapolis. A high-profile trip to the open market looms at this point, but it would come as a major surprise if that were to become possible. As Pelissero notes, the franchise tag is an option to guarantee at least a second Colts season for Jones. The 2026 tag for quarterbacks is projected to cost roughly $47MM.
That figure would represent a massive raise compared to the one-year pact Jones signed to join the Colts last March. The 28-year-old secured $14MM in base pay, with nearly all of that figure guaranteed. A franchise tag would also carry fully locked-in compensation, and using it would buy the Colts extended time to continue negotiating an extension.
Both sides will look to avoid such a situation; players always prefer a multiyear commitment to the tag, while teams aim to avoid the cap charges brought on by the one-year tender. The progress of negotiations over the coming days will thus be something to watch closely. Indianapolis is currently mid-pack in terms of projected cap space for next season, but the team has a number of pending free agent decisions to make. The top priority, to no surprise, appears to be sorting out the quarterback position.
Since Andrew Luck‘s retirement, the Colts have struggled to find a long-term solution under center. Former No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson has not lived up to expectations since arriving in the NFL, and his future in with Indianapolis is unclear. Without a successor in place, the team would be forced to explore a weak free agent market and/or a draft class which is not held in high regard to replace Jones. If all goes well in the near future, finding a new starting quarterback will not prove necessary.
Vikings To Consider Wide Range Of QB Additions?
Given the way J.J. McCarthy played (when available) in 2025, the Vikings find themselves in the market for at least one notable quarterback addition. The manner in which the team goes about bringing in a new passer will make for an interesting offseason storyline. 
Both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones departed in free agency during the 2025 offseason. The success both quarterbacks had with their new teams provided a stark contrast to McCarthy, who was sidelined for his entire rookie campaign. The former top-10 pick started 10 games in Year 2, struggling in a number of categories along the way. Poor play, along with various injuries, ensured the need for competition to be brought in this spring.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell and since-fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah both spoke on that subject after the season ended. Free agency and the trade market loom as avenues for the Vikings to make an addition. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network predicts (video link) a veteran will be sought out in the near future. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini also expects a move on that front (subscription required). A new deal for Carson Wentz – who took over QB1 duties prior to undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery – could be an option. Otherwise, several paths will at least be explored this spring.
As ESPN’s Kevin Seifert writes, “all bets are off” when it comes to how the Vikings will proceed. The firing of Adofo-Mensah came at an unexpected time, but many observers were not surprised a change was made in the wake of his QB setup not going to plan. Seifert’s colleague Jeremy Fowler notes Jones was a higher priority than Darnold last spring with respect to a Minnesota re-signing. The Colts wound up inking Jones to a one-year pact, but he is widely expected to remain in Indianapolis for 2026. Darnold, meanwhile, is one the books with Seattle through 2027.
McCarthy’s rookie deal has another two years remaining on it, with a potential fifth-year option to be decided on next spring. The Michigan product is certainly not a bust so early in his NFL career, but stabilizing Minnesota’s offense will depend in large part on much better play from under center. A short-term addition such as Aaron Rodgers or Joe Flacco could buy time for McCarthy to develop further. The trade market could involve other veterans such as Jacoby Brissett, who has one year remaining on his deal and is owed just $5.44MM for 2026.
It would be noteworthy to say the least if the Vikings were to consider drafting a new passer relatively early. The team does not have a full-time general manager at the moment, and Rob Brzezinski‘s replacement will not arrive until after the draft. A strong possibility exists for Minnesota’s next GM to inherit not only McCarthy but also another quarterback they had no role in acquiring. That would definitely make for an interesting dynamic between O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah’s eventual successor.
The Vikings are one of many teams currently projected to be over the cap for 2026. Several cost-shedding moves will be required as a result, and the amount of financial flexibility created will go a long way in determining which quarterbacks become affordable.
Daniel Jones Interested In Re-Signing With Colts
The Giants paid dearly for overvaluing Daniel Jones‘ 2022 season. After declining Jones’ fifth-year option in 2022, the Giants gave him a $40MM-per-year deal minutes before the March 2023 franchise tag application deadline. This led to a Saquon Barkley franchise tag and 2024 exit.
Jones faceplanted on the second contract, struggling to both stay healthy or approach his previous play level. The Giants dropped Jones during the second season of the deal, but the former No. 6 overall pick found new life in Indianapolis. Given a one-year, $14MM accord to compete with Anthony Richardson, Jones overtook the erratic passer and had the Colts 8-2.
Before Jones’ Achilles tear, he had been playing through a fractured fibula. Both issues will factor into Jones’ free agency, but the Colts have interest in bringing him back. Jones is also interested in staying, though he did couch his statement on the topic ahead of his third free agency bid.
“I’d love to be back here,’’ Jones said, via Fox 59’s Mike Chappell. “I’ve enjoyed being here, working with the coaching staff here, the players. I think it’s a great organization and I’ve enjoyed being here. Obviously, there’s a business side to it and I understand that.”
Jones, 28, did well on the business side when he was last in a commanding leverage position. An asking price north of $45MM per year emerged — back when the $50MM-AAV QB club had not formed — and the Giants made him their top 2023 priority. It would not seem Jones would have as much leverage this time around, but the Colts traded their 2026 and ’27 first-round picks for Sauce Gardner at the deadline. Indianapolis did so while Jones was healthy, but the team now lacks key ammo to chase a younger option.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon announced the Colts would retain GM Chris Ballard and HC Shane Steichen, and Chappell notes “every indication” points to the duo being a package deal with Jones. Even with the Achilles tear, Jones should possess some leverage ahead of negotiations. The Colts are not believed to have begun those, but with Ballard receiving assurances he is staying, those should begin soon. Indianapolis’ issues finding a long-term signal-caller post-Andrew Luck also stand to help Jones in free agency.
Injury trouble is starting to pile up for Jones, though. He battled a significant neck issue in 2021 and suffered an ACL tear in 2023. The ACL tear came after more neck trouble sidelined him early in the 2023 season. With the fracture and Achilles tear now on Jones’ medical sheet, it would stand to reason the Colts could work out a team-friendlier deal. But the Vikings are expected to pursue a veteran QB to compete with J.J. McCarthy. Considering Minnesota made Jones an offer that was believed to be higher than what Indianapolis submitted, it will be interesting to see if the NFC North club is back in on the player it briefly employed to close the 2024 season.
Jones is expected back by training camp, and the Colts should be expected to re-sign him unless a major course change commences, ESPN.com’s Stephen Holder notes. Where Jones’ asking price settles will be one of this offseason’s key storylines.
Colts Expect Daniel Jones To Recover From Achilles Tear By Training Camp
On Tuesday of this week, Daniel Jones underwent surgery on the Achilles tear which brought an early end to his 2025 season. A recovery timeline has now emerged for the pending free agent. 
The Colts expect Jones to be sidelined for a period of six to eight months, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. That is notably shorter than the standard recovery timeframe in the case of Achilles tears. If it holds true, however, Jones will meet the team’s target of receiving clearance in time for training camp next summer.
Of course, it remains to be seen if Indianapolis will still have Jones in place by that point. The former No. 6 pick inked a one-year free agent deal and took on starting duties for 2025. Largely speaking, things went far better than anyone expected and the Colts were 7-1 at one point this season. A drop in play on the part of the team occurred when Jones also attempted to play through a fracture in his fibula prior to suffering his Achilles tear.
That injury cast doubt on whether or not a new Colts pact will be agreed to during the coming offseason. As Schefter and colleague Stephen Holder note, though, the team expects to retain Jones for at least 2026. Per Holder, the timeline in place for the 28-year-old is likely to inform Indy’s plans at the quarterback position this spring. No talks on a new contract had taken place prior to Jones going down but will commence this offseason, per Schefter.
A new Colts pact would certainly not come as a surprise, but the structure of such a contract will no doubt be impacted by the injury. That leaves Jones’ financial future as a major storyline around the NFL leading up to a free agent period set to be devoid of other established starters (or at least those who are not approaching the tail end of their careers). Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard are also in place, but they are now viewed as QB1 options for the Colts at this point.
With Jones sidelined, Richardson on IR and Leonard dealing with a PCL sprain suffered in Week 14, it will be Philip Rivers leading the offense tomorrow. Indianapolis (8-5) is currently outside of the playoff picture, and Rivers could be counted on to handle starting duties the rest of the way. After the season, attention will turn to Jones and his ability to meet a loft recovery target.
Possibilities For QB Daniel Jones Post-Injury
Just when it seemed like everything was finally working out for Colts veteran quarterback Daniel Jones, a torn Achilles tendon has thrown a wrench in things. It was only two years ago that the Giants signed Jones to a four-year, $160MM extension just to bench him by November the next season. Now heading to free agency with a long-term recovery in front of him, there are several possibilities for how Jones’ future could play out.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano laid out a few theories earlier this week. The first and most obvious option is that the Colts simply re-sign Jones, putting together another one- or two-year deal with some lucrative incentives, serving both parties. With how late in the year this injury has come, Jones is likely to still be rehabbing into the regular season next year. Indianapolis won’t know what to expect upon Jones’ eventual return, so they might not be willing to commit big money on a long-term deal, but they would guarantee a smaller amount in a shorter window, with a possibility for Jones to make a lot more if he can return with some amount of success.
This kind of deal would also benefit Jones, especially if he doesn’t quite like the value of the deals he ends up hearing in free agency. Some teams may lowball his value, giving him a long-term commitment while attempting to get a discount off of the injury and lock him in at a lower rate. The lower, shorter deal with incentives gives Jones a chance at hitting big money bonuses but also provides him the opportunity to renegotiate something better once he gets his sea legs back under him.
There are other options that see Jones leaving Indiana, especially considering that before the injury, he was expected to be one of the top passers on the open market. There are 30 quarterbacks set to hit free agency at the end of this season, and the only ones with talent comparable to what the 27-year-old Jones has displayed this year are Aaron Rodgers (41), Russell Wilson (36), Joe Flacco (40), and maybe Tyrod Taylor (34). Reestablishing himself as a capable starter had set Jones up for a potentially nice payday, but the injury may have altered that trajectory.
If he were to leave, Graziano’s first thought is that he could return to Minnesota. After getting cut by the Giants last year, Jones finished his season with the Vikings, backing up another resurgent veteran in Sam Darnold. Minnesota wanted to retain him but couldn’t guarantee him the starting job with first-round rookie J.J. McCarthy returning from injury. McCarthy has struggled in his first year as the Vikings’ starter, and introducing Jones back into the equation could spur his competitive instincts after he was essentially handed the job this year. It could also give McCarthy some time to sit and develop behind Jones, assuming losing the starting job doesn’t kill the 22-year-old’s confidence.
There are also plenty of options foreign to the three teams Jones has already played for. With projected cuts and contracts coming to an end after this season, the Cardinals, Falcons, Browns, Raiders, Dolphins, Saints, Jets, and Steelers are all expected to be looking at passers in the offseason. There’s also a chance Jones doesn’t even get that far in the process. Before the injury, there was a popular rumor that a franchise tag might keep him in Indianapolis. Checking in at a projected value of about $46MM, a franchise tag has become a bit less attractive of an option with the injury, but Jeremy Fowler of ESPN offered that it’s not completely off the table.
Fowler and Graziano also pointed out the possibility that, whatever the preference of Colts head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard, their opinions might not matter. New team owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon has been seen all season taking diligent notes, and many speculated that Steichen and Ballard were on the hot seat coming into the season. An 8-2 start that saw the team atop the AFC seemed to indicate that their seats had cooled off a bit, but the staff has seen the team lose four of their last five, and without Jones, a seven-game losing streak is certainly on the table. It’s a long shot given the success the team saw when fully healthy, but there’s a chance decision makers could be changing in Indy before the quarterback does.
Ultimately, all we can do for now is speculate and keep a close eye on how things pan out over the next four weeks to close out the regular season. This injury has been a devastating setback for a resurgent Jones campaign, but the young passer still has plenty of road ahead of him. Much remains to be seen before we find out just where that road will lead.
Minor NFL Transactions: 12/9/25
Here are the latest minor moves from around the NFL:
Cleveland Browns
- Signed off Chargers’ practice squad: RB Trayveon Williams
Detroit Lions
- Waived: TE Ross Dwelley
Houston Texans
- Waived: S Jalen Mills
- Claimed off waivers (from Chargers): DT Naquan Jones
Indianapolis Colts
- Placed on IR: QB Daniel Jones (story), CB Chris Lammons
- Signed from practice squad: CB Cameron Mitchell
Los Angeles Rams
- Waived: LB Nick Hampton
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed off Cardinals’ practice squad: CB Chigozie Anusiem
- Placed on IR: CB Kyu Blu Kelly (story)
Philadelphia Eagles
- Waived: LS Cal Adomitis
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed from practice squad: LB Nick Jackson
Jones was waived by the Chargers on Monday and quickly found himself joining one of the NFL’s best defenses in Houston. The Texans recently lost Tim Settle to a season-ending injury, so Jones will help fill his snaps in the defensive line rotation.
Colts To Host QB Philip Rivers
In the wake of Daniel Jones‘ season-ending Achilles injury, the Colts are hoping to keep their once-promising season afloat. As the organization looks to fill the gaping hole under center, they’re turning to a familiar face as a potential answer.
[RELATED: Colts QB Daniel Jones Suffers Achilles Tear]
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Colts will host Philip Rivers for a visit tomorrow. Ian Rapoport adds that Rivers would be considered for a practice squad gig, and for the time being, Riley Leonard will be Indy’s QB1. ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes that while the Colts are interested in seeing what kind of shape Rivers is in, the QB is still determining whether he’d even want to come back and play. At the very least, Rivers is intrigued enough to travel to Indianapolis for a workout. For what it’s worth, Dianna Russini of The Athletic says the Colts currently don’t have plans to bring any other quarterback in for a workout.
If you’re keeping track at home, it’s been a bit since Rivers has been on our radar. The long-time QB made his last NFL appearance during the 2020 season, when he started all 16 games for the Colts. He was still plenty serviceable during that age-39 campaign, as Rivers guided his squad to an 11-5 record while completing 68 percent of his passes for 4,169 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He added another two touchdowns in Indy’s playoff loss to the Bills.
Rivers subsequently announced his retirement, but he’s still resurfaced as a potential option for QB-needy teams in recent years. He was open to joining the Saints late during the 2021 campaign, and the Colts also considered a reunion that season. There was even a chance Rivers made his comeback during Super Bowl LVII; the 49ers admitted that he was their top choice had they made it to the game (all of Jimmy Garoppolo, Trey Lance, Brock Purdy, and Josh Johnson would have been sidelined). Rivers didn’t end up joining any of those squads, and he’s spent the past few years coaching high school football in Alabama. He seemed to put talks of a comeback to a rest this past summer when he inked a one-day contract to officially retire as a member of the Chargers.
Now, that long-awaited comeback may actually come to fruition with his last NFL team. Jones’ season came to an end yesterday, leaving the organization scrambling at the position. Anthony Richardson is uncertain to return this year, meaning the team may have no choice but to roll with Leonard. Even then, the sixth-round rookie is nursing his own knee injury (per ESPN’s Stephen Holder), potentially leaving Brett Rypien as the only healthy option in the organization.
Now 44 years old (today is actually his birthday), Rivers would certainly be an interesting choice to save the Colts once-promising season. The fourth-overall pick in the 2004 draft, Rivers helped guide the Chargers to six playoff appearances during his tenure with the organization. Only one of those appearances resulted in a significant run (when the Chargers lost to the Patriots in the 2007 conference championship), but Rivers did tally five playoff wins during his time with the team. He would represent the polar opposite to Leonard, who attempted only a pair of pass attempts before being forced into the lineup yesterday.
Considering his long layoff from the sport, Rivers probably wouldn’t even be considered if it wasn’t for his relationship with Colts head coach Shane Steichen. The two had a long stint working alongside each other during their respective stints with the Chargers. Steichen worked his way up to QBs coach in 2016, a role he held for three-plus seasons before earning a promotion to offensive coordinator.
To put this potential move in perspective: Rivers is currently a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His potential comeback would surely add an unexpected wrinkle to that endeavor.
Colts QB Daniel Jones Suffers Achilles Tear
By the end of last night, it was widely expected testing on Daniel Jones would confirm he suffered an Achilles tear. To no surprise, that has proven to be the case.
An MRI has now been completed, and veteran insider Jordan Schultz reports Jones has indeed torn his Achilles. Today’s confirmation means surgery will be required as Jones turn his attention to 2026. As a pending free agent, his situation could now become complicated compared to where things previously stood. Surgery will take place within the next week, per head coach Shane Steichen (via ESPN’s Stephen Holder).
Jones enjoyed a stellar start to the campaign, helping lead the Colts to a 7-1 record. The free agent signing played a key role in that success, and it appeared as though he was setting himself up for a notable payday from the Colts. Things have taken a major turn since then, however, with Indianapolis’ playoff chances taking several hits in recent weeks. Jones will need to focus on recovering as the Colts contemplate how to proceed under center.
Team and player have not yet conducted serious contract negotiations. Jones signed for a base value of $14MM (with nearly all of that figure guaranteed) to join the Colts in March, but he was in store for a substantial raise provided he managed to continue his level of play through December. Already dealing with a fractured fibula, the former No. 6 pick was unable to do so, suffering his Achilles tear in the form of a non-contact injury. Even if Jones can suit up for the start of next season, this will no doubt alter his financial situation.
The Colts are also without backup quarterback Anthony Richardson as he continues to reside on IR. The team is unsure whether or not a return will be possible this season. As such, it will be sixth-round rookie Riley Leonard leading the way for the final four games of the campaign. Indianapolis’ loss yesterday dropped the team to 8-5 on the year.
After holding a comfortable lead in the AFC South, therefore, the Colts now occupy the No. 7 seed in the conference. A fall out of the playoffs altogether would not surprise many given the team’s injury situation. Regardless of what happens on that front, Jones’ surgery and his subsequent rehab process will be a major storyline through the offseason.
Colts QB Daniel Jones Suffers Achilles Injury
10:24pm: Adam Schefter of ESPN reported tonight that Jones will undergo surgery for his torn Achilles tendon, seemingly confirming the diagnosis of the Colts starter before the team’s official announcement. It’s a tough break for the resurgent quarterback, who had been in the midst of perhaps the strongest season of his career. It could be a tougher break for the Colts as, with Jones and Richardson on IR, the team will now attempt to move forward this season with Leonard as QB1.
Mike Chappell of FOX59/CBS4 Sports attempted to take a bit of wind out from Schefter’s sails following his breaking post on X. Chappell offered to “clear” things up, emphasizing that the situation is still just a “fear” of injury and potential surgery at the moment, and official confirmation won’t be available until Monday morning.
4:52pm: When speaking after the game, Colts head coach Shane Steichen said (via James Boyd of The Athletic) the injury “could” be season-ending but did not confirm if the worst-case scenario has taken place. On that note, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio also reports a tear is the situation in this case. Once testing ocurs, it will certainly come as no surprise if/when that diagnosis is confirmed.
2:37pm: Things have gone from bad to worse for Daniel Jones and the Colts. Indianapolis’ starting quarterback suffered a non-contact injury (video link) during the team’s game against the Jaguars. 
Jones’ reaction has led to concerns he suffered a major injury. Indeed, Outkick’s Armando Salguero reports a tear is feared to have occurred. In any event, Jones has been ruled out for the remainder of the game.
In recent weeks, the free agent addition has been dealing with a fibula injury which was reported to be a fracture. No confirmation emerged on that front, but Jones’ health and mobility was already a talking point leading up to Sunday. In the event of something like a calf strain, missed time would be in store. Of course, an Achilles tear would represent the worst-case scenario and end his season.
After seeing his Giants tenure end and departing the Vikings on the open market, Jones faced tempered expectations for 2025. The former No. 6 pick did not surprise many by winning a competition with Anthony Richardson given the fact much of his $14MM in compensation was guaranteed in full. Nevertheless, Jones’ strong start helped power to the Colts to a 7-1 record. Doing so set him up for a major raise on a second Colts contract or one worked out in free agency this spring.
Indianapolis parted with a pair of first-round picks at the trade deadline to acquire Sauce Gardner. That signaled a desire to commit to Jones and the other members of the Colts’ core. An offer on a long-term pact is expected, although no talks on that front have taken place yet. Needless to say, a major Jones injury would make a massive impact on the financial situation in this case.
With Richardson still on injured reserve, rookie Riley Leonard has taken over QB duties for the Colts. The sixth-rounder had only made one appearance prior to today, making two pass attempts. For now, at least, it will be Leonard counted on to lead the team’s offense. If that remains the case down the stretch, Indianapolis’ chances of winning a division it was once firmly in control of will be dealt a massive blow.
The Colts entered today sitting at 8-4 after losing three of their last four games. The team’s outlook will hinge in very large part on Jones’ diagnosis. Likewise, his future will be greatly impacted by any significant injury if one is to be confirmed by further testing.
Colts QB Daniel Jones Playing Through Fractured Fibula?
NOVEMBER 28: After being limited in practice on Wednesday, Jones followed up yesterday’s full participant status with a second straight practice with full participation, and despite his reported fibula injury, he is expected to play this Sunday, per Joel A. Erickson of the IndyStar.
Neither today’s practice report nor the comments of head coach Shane Steichen acknowledged the rumors of a fracture in Jones’ lower leg, according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, but in his comments to the media, Steichen said, “We would never put (Jones) out there if we thought something could go wrong.” The only hint reporters could glean came during an observable portion of practice in which Jones appeared to have a slight limp (video courtesy of James Boyd of The Athletic).
NOVEMBER 27: The Colts have cooled off in recent weeks, losing two of their last three games and only scoring 20 points in both of those contests. The health of quarterback Daniel Jones has also emerged as a talking point.
Jones has been dealing with a lower leg issue recently, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports it is a fracture in his fibula. Rapoport adds Jones intends to continue playing through the injury, citing a source who states the fracture is not a concern. The Colts have neither confirmed nor denied Jones’ reported diagnosis.
Nevertheless, ESPN’s Stephen Holder reports Jones will be listed as a full participant for today’s practice. He echoes the sentiment that this ailment is not expected to result in missed game time. Jones was listed as limited once in practice last week, and the same was true for yesterday’s practice report. Otherwise, the standout free agent signing has managed to log full sessions recently.
When speaking to the media, Jones himself said (via James Boyd of The Athletic) he first realized the issue last week but added he is unsure when exactly it occurred. The former first-rounder noted the ailment is affecting his fibula but also declined to confirm whether or not any fractures have taken place.
Jones won out a training camp competition with Anthony Richardson and he has started every game so far for his newest team. The ex-Giant has set new career highs in several categories this year, giving his market value a considerable boost. A new Indy deal will bring with it a considerable raise, but negotiations on that front are not expected to begin until the offseason.
As a result, Jones’ play down the stretch will be make for a compelling storyline. The 28-year-old struggling during the closing stages of the season would likely still leave the Colts in a playoff spot, but that could have a notable impact on his valuation. Jones took a one-year pact worth $14MM, nearly all of which was guaranteed. Both a franchise tag and a long-term deal will be far more expensive from the Colts’ perspective if either route ends up being taken.
Richardson remains on injured reserve at this point. That leaves sixth-round rookie Riley Leonard as the Colts’ backup. Leonard has not seen any game action since Jones suffered the injury, and it appears that will continue to be the case moving forward.