Colts and QB Daniel Jones at Standstill Over $50 Million Demand

Colts offered a 3-year, $100.5 million deal, but Jones reportedly wants $50 million per season

Mar. 10, 2026 at 11:38pm

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The Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Daniel Jones are currently at an impasse in contract negotiations, with Jones reportedly demanding a deal worth $50 million per season - a figure the Colts are unlikely to agree to. The Colts had previously offered Jones a 3-year, $100.5 million contract, similar to the deal given to Sam Darnold in Seattle, but Jones is seeking significantly more.

Why it matters

The Colts placed the transition tag on Jones, indicating they want to keep him, but paying a quarterback with only one good season and coming off an Achilles injury $50 million per year would be an enormous financial risk for the team. This standoff could lead to Jones leaving Indianapolis if the two sides cannot reach an agreement.

The details

The Colts offered Jones a 3-year, $100.5 million contract, similar to the deal Sam Darnold received from the Seahawks. However, reports indicate Jones is seeking a deal worth $50 million per season, which would make him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL despite his limited track record of success.

  • The Colts placed the transition tag on Daniel Jones on March 9, 2026.

The players

Daniel Jones

The Colts' starting quarterback who is seeking a lucrative long-term contract after one good season and coming off an Achilles injury.

Indianapolis Colts

The NFL team that placed the transition tag on Daniel Jones and is currently negotiating a long-term deal with the quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“The Colts offered Daniel Jones a deal in the range of Sam Darnold's three-year, $100.5 million contract.”

— Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated Reporter (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The Colts and Jones will continue to negotiate a long-term contract, with the team needing to decide if they are willing to pay the quarterback's reported $50 million per season demand.

The takeaway

This standoff highlights the challenges teams face in determining the true market value of quarterbacks, especially those with limited track records of success. The Colts must weigh the risk of overpaying Jones against the potential consequences of losing him in free agency.