The future of quarterback Daniel Jones with the Indianapolis Colts remains uncertain as the team prepares for the 2026 NFL free agency. Despite both parties expressing intentions to continue their partnership, a finalized contract is yet to be signed. Jones, who is 28 years old, showcased impressive performance during the first half of the 2025 season, achieving a completion rate of 71.2% and averaging 257.8 passing yards per game before injuries hampered his progress.
A broken bone in his left leg slowed him down, and a torn right Achilles tendon sustained in early December ultimately ended his season. Given the timing of this injury, his availability for the start of the 2026 season is in question. Currently, the Colts have quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard under contract for the upcoming season.
Jones’ average annual value stands at $43.6 million, the highest among all upcoming free agents, raising questions about his potential earnings should he be signed by another team. According to Pro Football Focus, Jones ranks 42nd among the top 250 free agents for 2026, placing third among quarterbacks behind Malik Willis and Aaron Rodgers. The outlet projects a potential contract for Jones of three years, worth up to $101 million, with $56 million guaranteed.
Jones began the 2025 season strongly, recording an 80.3 PFF grade in his first eight games. However, his performance declined significantly, dropping to a 55.1 grade from Week 9 until his injury. Despite a brief resurgence in Week 13 against the Houston Texans, where he earned an 84.2 PFF grade, his overall season ended disappointingly with a 36.9 grade before suffering the Achilles injury.
His performance consistency has been notable; since 2019, Jones has not finished a season with a PFF grade below 63.0 or above 78.4. Nonetheless, ball security remains a critical issue, as he recorded 18 turnover-worthy plays against only 13 big-time throws in 2025. He has achieved a positive big-time throw to turnover-worthy play ratio just once in his career.
In rankings by various analysts, Jones has received mixed reviews. Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News placed him 24th among 100 players, highlighting his efficiency as a passer and effectiveness within the system of head coach Shane Steichen. Iyer noted that Jones has displayed a strong deep ball and good timing, but questioned his recovery from the Achilles injury.
Further emphasizing his value, Matt Bowen of ESPN ranked Jones fourth overall among 50 players and the top quarterback available, noting his elevated play under Steichen’s guidance. Bowen pointed out that Jones’ 64.1 QBR ranked eighth in the league through Week 13, showcasing improved timing and situational awareness.
In a similar analysis, Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports ranked Jones third overall and reiterated his significance to the Colts, especially after the team traded two first-round picks for defensive back Sauce Gardner at the trade deadline. Pereles suggested that if the Colts seek a backup quarterback, they might consider former Colt Joe Flacco, although he believes the Cincinnati Bengals will likely retain Flacco.
The 2026 NFL free agency period is set to begin on March 11, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET. Prior to that, a “legal tampering” period will allow teams to negotiate with players and their agents starting at noon ET on March 9. The projected salary cap for the 2026 season is estimated to range between $301.2 million and $305.7 million, with the official figure expected to be announced in early March.
As the Colts navigate their decision regarding Jones, the combination of his injury history and performance consistency will play a significant role in determining his future and that of the franchise.
