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 to active roster: 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 to active roster: 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.
Colts Expected To Open Contract Talks With Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor After Season
Despite a disappointing loss to the Chiefs in Week 12, this season has been a success for the Colts. They’re 8-3, atop the AFC South, and in the mix for the No. 1 seed in the conference. An offense that ranks first in the NFL in scoring and second in yardage has been among the primary reasons for the Colts’ resurgence.
The offseason signing of former Giants and Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones has worked out brilliantly for the Colts. They bought low on Jones, giving him a one-year, $14MM guarantee. The 28-year-old has rewarded the Colts with a career-best campaign.
Once again a pending free agent, Jones is now a candidate to cash in on a much larger contract in the coming months. It’s already known the Colts plan to make Jones a long-term offer. Talks are not expected to start until the offseason, though, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic and Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.
It’s a similar situation with running back Jonathan Taylor, per Jonathan Jones, who writes that “it’s crickets when it comes to money talks” with Taylor and his QB. The Colts aren’t in immediate danger of losing Taylor, who’s vying for a rare MVP win for a running back. Taylor’s under wraps through 2026 on the three-year, $42MM extension he signed in October 2023.
At the time of signing, Taylor ranked third among RBs in average annual value and fourth in fully guaranteed money ($19.35MM). He’s now fourth in AAV and sixth in full guarantees.
If the Colts and Taylor pursue a new pact during the offseason, he could accompany the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley in the vicinity of $20MM per year. Barkley leads the position in AAV ($20.6MM) and full guarantees ($36MM) after securing a two-year, $41.2MM extension last March. The soon-to-be 27-year-old Taylor, a two-time Pro Bowler, may push for a similar payday off what has been a spectacular season and overall run in Indianapolis.
While a fresh deal for Taylor should put him near the top of the league at his position, there’s still skepticism toward Jones after he flamed out on a big contract with the Giants. They handed Jones a four-year, $160MM extension in March 2023, only to waive him last November.
Jones has cooled off since a hot start to the season, and he has particularly struggled when defenses have pressured him in recent weeks, Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star details. The Colts’ coaches are still confident in him, though, according to Erickson.
The approach the Colts’ Chris Ballard-led front office takes on a potential Jones deal could be “heavily dependent” on how he and the team finish 2025, Jonathan Jones writes. The Colts took a home run swing before the Nov. 4 trade deadline in sending two first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell to the Jets for cornerback Sauce Gardner. Knowing Indianapolis won’t be able to spend a first-rounder on a QB in the near future could give Jones leverage in contract talks after the season.
For their part, the Colts don’t necessarily have to make a multiyear commitment. Placing the $46.1MM franchise tag on Jones would be costly, but it’s an option that would give the Colts another year to evaluate him without locking in for the long haul, James Boyd of The Athletic notes.
Jones’ future will continue serving as an interesting storyline heading into the offseason. In the meantime, he and the Colts will face a brutal season-ending schedule consisting of all playoff contenders. Four of their last six games are against division rivals Houston and Jacksonville. If Jones can help fend them off en route to the Colts’ first division title since 2014, a second nine-figure contract could be within reach.
Colts Plan To Make Long-Term Offer To QB Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones is following the Baker Mayfield/Sam Darnold path as a former top-10 pick to bounce back after inconsistency with his first NFL team. The Colts have reaped the benefits of their one-year Jones addition, and buzz is building — particularly after the team’s blockbuster trade that stripped away top draft assets — this partnership will continue.
The Colts are planning to make Jones a long-term offer, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. Although extension talks have not begun yet, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones adds the quarterback “loves” Indianapolis and is pleased with his current situation. The seventh-year veteran chose the Colts over a better offer to remain with the Vikings, viewing this as the superior path to a starting role. He was proven correct, and the Colts are tied for the AFC’s best record — at 8-2 — in their bye week.
Seeing as the Colts dealt their 2026 and ’27 first-round picks for Sauce Gardner, it certainly seems like Jones’ bargaining position improved. Against all odds, Jones has found himself with leverage that could be comparable to where he stood with the Giants in 2023. While Jones negotiations have not yet started, discussions with the free agent-to-be should be expected soon.
Indianapolis both missed on its most recent first-round quarterback (Anthony Richardson) and has dealt away the top two assets to land another one. Although Jones did not come close to living up to his four-year, $160MM Giants accord, he asked for $47MM per year that offseason — a seminal period for that franchise. Jones’ positional value prompted GM Joe Schoen to prioritize him more than Saquon Barkley, talent disparity notwithstanding, and that led to a Barkley tag and 2024 free agency exit. The Giants’ decision to re-sign Jones backfired spectacularly, with Barkley joining the 2,000-yard club and driving the Eagles to a Super Bowl title — weeks after New York released Jones.
Jones was not believed to have created much distance from Richardson during their training camp competition, but he won the job and has certainly separated from the erratic top-five pick in-season. Jones ranks ninth in QBR, which represents a slip from where he was a few weeks ago but obviously a surprising placement given his standing throughout his second Giants contract and into free agency. Jones is playing out a one-year, $14MM contract; he is positioned to do much better in 2026.
The Colts appear “all in” on a long-term partnership with Jones, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes, citing Mayfield and Darnold’s deals as comps. Mayfield and Darnold signed near-identical contracts a year apart, and both have justified the payments.
Mayfield is on a three-year, $100MM deal that included $40MM at signing; Darnold is at three years, $100.5MM ($37.5MM at signing). Darnold’s hot Seattle start has left little to no suspense about him collecting an additional $17.5MM guaranteed in February. Jones’ shaky Giants tenure will logically give teams pause, but Fowler points to the QB being able to set his price point beyond where Mayfield and Darnold took the mid-tier QB market.
Jones, who used his dual-threat ability to pilot the Colts to a game-tying drive in the final second of their win in Berlin, leads the NFL in passing yards — with 2,659 and sits fourth in yards per attempt (8.3). Both numbers are out of step with the former No. 6 overall pick’s Giants work, which never featured a season north of 7.0 yards per pass or a yardage total beyond 3,300. Jones is on pace to blow past that yardage mark, and while the ex-Eli Manning successor did guide the Colts to wins over the Broncos and Chargers, tough tests against the Chiefs, Seahawks and 49ers remain. Two matchups against a formidable Texans defense are on Indy’s docket as well.
When the Colts traded Gardner, some around the league viewed it as a pledge they will re-sign Jones, ESPN’s Dan Graziano notes. We heard before the Gardner trade the Colts were interested in a post-2025 Jones relationship. Considering Jones’ struggles justifying his $40MM-AAV Giants accord and his health issues in the past, the Colts diving back in on a franchise-level contract for this particular player would appear risky. But this franchise has been starved for stability at the position post-Andrew Luck. By starting Jones over Richardson this year, the Colts joined only Washington (2017-24) by using an eighth Week 1 QB1 in nine-season span. Jones has also given Indy’s homegrown core a return to relevance.
Controlling owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon signed off on Chris Ballard‘s Gardner swap, encouraging her GM to secure a long-term fix for the team’s boundary cornerback issue rather than a stopgap solution. The Colts failed with QB stopgaps in Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan, and even though their hopeful long-term fix in Richardson appears a failure in progress, the team’s Gardner play points to Jones being given another lucrative contract.
Jones playing hardball with the Giants in 2023 provides a sign where his Indy negotiations could go, and that will be an interesting storyline to follow as free agency nears. But he and MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor have the Colts in first place in scoring this season. It is possible Ballard has made a determination on his quarterback, and Jones’ resurgence is on track to save the GM and HC Shane Steichen‘s jobs.
Even though the Colts have hurdles to clear as they pursue their first playoff bye since 2009, the team is on track for its first AFC South title since 2014. A reward payment for Jones appears to be expected in the not-too-distant future. The Colts have until the mid-March legal tampering period to negotiate exclusively with Jones, whose Giants deal came days before the 2023 legal tampering period.
Vikings Submitted Daniel Jones Better Offer Than Colts
Completing one of the more stunning first halves in recent NFL history, the Colts enter Week 9 an NFL-best 7-1. Their offense has rolled to a historic modern-era point, scoring more points through eight games than any post-merger team in franchise history. At the center of this surprising charge: Daniel Jones, who needed to beat out Anthony Richardson for the starting job.
Richardson is now on IR, and Jones’ performance through eight games both showed no indication the QB competition would be revisited and has rocketed the Colts’ enduring core back to relevance. Jones chose the Colts over the Vikings in free agency, and Minnesota has seen its QB quality drop significantly after also letting Sam Darnold walk. While the Vikes did not aggressively pursue a second Darnold contract, The Athletic’s Michael Silver notes they did expect to re-sign Jones as J.J. McCarthy insurance.
At the time the Colts signed Jones to a one-year, $14MM contract, it was known the Vikings made an offer to keep the QB — one they mostly employed as a practice squad stash late last season (Jones was not even the backup in the Vikings’ playoff game). However, Silver reports the Vikings made a bigger offer — one that topped the $13.15MM guarantee in the Colts’ proposal.
Shortly before the legal tampering period, we heard the Colts were preparing to enter the Jones market. Jones faceplanting on his four-year, $160MM Giants deal naturally did not lead to a multiyear guarantee. But the market for his “prove it” deal did escalate. Jones, 28, determined his best chance to see immediate action came in Indianapolis. Being in the building as the Vikings were grooming McCarthy, Jones correctly surmised he had a better chance to unseat Richardson than delay McCarthy’s ascent.
Jones went so far as to communicate to the Vikings, per Silver, Kevin O’Connell‘s presence creating a QB-friendly infrastructure would lead to McCarthy succeeding — and thus little chance for the veteran free agent to block his path. The Vikings continued down this road with Aaron Rodgers, who almost definitely would have blocked McCarthy’s route to the lineup.
Rodgers expressed interest in joining O’Connell in Minnesota, pegging the Vikings as his preferred destination. But he ended up in Pittsburgh, forming a partnership in which neither side received its desired outcome (the Steelers had wanted to either re-sign Justin Fields or trade for Matthew Stafford over signing Rodgers).
With Jones committed to Indianapolis, Minnesota traded for Sam Howell during the draft and signed Max Brosmer as a UDFA. Howell’s struggles in camp led to the Vikings trading him to the Eagles and then signing Carson Wentz. The Wentz experiment is over, as the QB nomad is out for the season with a shoulder injury, while Brosmer is still being prioritized as Minnesota’s QB2.
Entering the season as the Vikings’ third-stringer, Brosmer (per Silver) drew some internal Brock Purdy comps. It is obviously too early there, but Purdy did impress as a 49ers third-stringer behind Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo in 2022 — before injuries opened the door to the starting job. Brosmer is now one injury away, and while McCarthy is returning in Week 9, the former top-10 pick has already suffered two notable maladies since entering the NFL.
Prior to the 2024 draft, Vikings ownership was believed to be pushing for a young quarterback who could keep the role long term. This offseason, Silver adds the Mark and Zygi Wilf remain committed to seeing if McCarthy can be that long-term answer.
The Vikings did roster Kirk Cousins for six years but had not had much luck through the draft since 1999 first-rounder Daunte Culpepper. The former standout’s severe knee injury — sustained shortly after the Wilfs bought the team — in 2005 wrecked his Twin Cities stay, leading to a slew of veterans. Teddy Bridgewater‘s injury-marred stay interrupted this, and McCarthy’s meniscus tear last year reminded of some unfortunate knee-related setbacks for Minnesota QBs. The Vikings will now hope McCarthy can prove O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah right for passing on franchise-tagging Darnold or signing Rodgers.
The Jones offer does show some degree of hesitancy with McCarthy this year, as the Vikings offered more than they paid Darnold in 2024 (one year, $10MM). Jones is flourishing in Indy, sitting third in QBR during a bounce-back season. The Colts, whose QB carousel has spun much faster than the Vikings’ in recent years, are interested in extending him. The Vikings reside as an interesting “what if?” for the former first-round quarterback.