Colts Facing Uncertainty Over Daniel Jones' Future

Negotiations have stalled between the Colts and their starting QB, leaving his long-term status in doubt.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 10:31pm

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The Indianapolis Colts are facing a critical decision on the future of quarterback Daniel Jones. After a strong 2025 season, Jones is set to become a free agent, but negotiations on a new contract have stalled. The Colts may have to choose between using the franchise tag on Jones or star wide receiver Alec Pierce, leaving Jones' long-term status with the team uncertain.

Why it matters

The Colts have struggled to find a long-term answer at quarterback since the retirement of Andrew Luck. Jones emerged as a potential franchise QB in 2025, and the Colts can't afford to let him walk if they want to build a contender. However, the team's salary cap situation complicates matters, forcing them to make tough decisions on which key players to prioritize.

The details

Jones started 13 games for the Colts in 2025, completing 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. He also added 164 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns. While his early career with the Giants was disappointing, the 28-year-old Jones showed promise under Colts offensive coordinator Shane Steichen. However, with the franchise tag deadline looming, the Colts and Jones have yet to reach an agreement on a long-term deal.

  • The franchise tag deadline is on Tuesday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Daniel Jones

The Colts' starting quarterback in 2025 who is set to become a free agent. The 28-year-old had a strong season and is viewed as a potential long-term answer at the position for Indianapolis.

Alec Pierce

The Colts' star wide receiver who is also a free agent this offseason. The team may have to choose between using the franchise tag on Jones or Pierce.

Shane Steichen

The Colts' offensive coordinator who helped develop Jones in 2025 and is credited with getting the best out of the young quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“If the Colts can't get a deal done with Jones by Tuesday's tag deadline, it sounds like they'll put the transition tag on him. That means Pierce could hit free agency and another team could sign Jones to an offer sheet (and the Colts wouldn't get draft pick compensation if he were to sign elsewhere).”

— Dan Graziano, ESPN Insider

“I think the Colts push to get a long-term deal done with Jones to avoid those possibilities, but as of Saturday morning, it doesn't sound close.”

— Dan Graziano, ESPN Insider

What’s next

The Colts have until Tuesday, March 5, 2026 to decide whether to use the franchise tag on Daniel Jones or Alec Pierce. If they can't reach a long-term deal with Jones by then, they may have to use the transition tag on him, which could open the door for another team to sign him to an offer sheet.

The takeaway

The Colts' inability to lock up Daniel Jones long-term highlights the difficult decisions facing the franchise this offseason. After years of quarterback instability, Jones emerged as a potential franchise QB in 2025, but the team's salary cap situation may force them to choose between keeping him or star wide receiver Alec Pierce. The Colts can't afford to let Jones walk, but securing his future in Indianapolis is no guarantee.