Colts Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon Confident in Daniel Jones as QB1

Irsay-Gordon believes Jones and head coach Shane Steichen are aligned as the team's new leadership duo.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:55pm

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Indianapolis Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon has expressed strong confidence in the team's decision to sign quarterback Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88 million contract. Irsay-Gordon believes Jones and head coach Shane Steichen are well-aligned and that the Colts have found their quarterback of the future, despite having to make some tough roster moves to accommodate Jones' contract.

Why it matters

The Colts are betting big on Jones as their franchise QB, and Irsay-Gordon's public endorsement signals the organization's full commitment to building around him. However, the team has had to make some difficult personnel decisions, including trading away top receiver Michael Pittman, which could impact Jones' supporting cast.

The details

Jones went 8-5 as the Colts' starting QB last season, completing a career-high 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. He also added 164 rushing yards and 5 rushing TDs. Irsay-Gordon cited Jones' strong bond with head coach Shane Steichen as a key factor in the team's belief that he is the right leader for their offense. However, the Colts were forced to make some tough roster moves, including trading away top receiver Michael Pittman, to accommodate Jones' new contract.

  • Jones signed a two-year, $88 million contract with the Colts this offseason.
  • Last season, Jones went 8-5 as the Colts' starting QB.

The players

Carlie Irsay-Gordon

The owner of the Indianapolis Colts, who has expressed strong confidence in quarterback Daniel Jones as the team's new franchise QB.

Daniel Jones

The Colts' new starting quarterback, who signed a two-year, $88 million contract with the team this offseason.

Shane Steichen

The head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, who Irsay-Gordon believes is well-aligned with Jones as the team's new leadership duo.

Michael Pittman

The Colts' top wide receiver, who was traded away to accommodate Jones' new contract.

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What they’re saying

“If your head coach doesn't believe in your quarterback, you're kind of screwed. And I think that Shane and Daniel really align.”

— Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Owner, Indianapolis Colts

What’s next

The Colts will need to ensure Jones is fully recovered from his torn Achilles injury and build a strong supporting cast around him to maximize his potential as their new franchise QB.

The takeaway

The Colts have made a major investment in Daniel Jones as their quarterback of the future, and owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon is confident he is the right leader for the team. However, the team has had to make some difficult roster decisions to accommodate Jones' contract, which could impact the supporting cast around him. The Colts' success will now hinge on Jones proving he is worth the $88 million they have committed to him.