Quarterback Daniel Jones is reportedly expected to be back in time for the start of the 2026 NFL season, but his future with the Indianapolis Colts isn’t yet certain.
Despite suffering a season-ending Achilles tear last week, it is believed he will be able to return in six to eight months, putting him on track to potentially be cleared by the start of training camp, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Jones is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, although Schefter reported that “the belief still is that Jones will play next year in Indianapolis.”
Schefter noted that while Jones and the Colts “were highly pleased with each other,” Jones could have other options to consider.
Per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, one possible landing spot for Jones if he doesn’t re-sign with the Colts is the Minnesota Vikings.
Jones noted that multiple sources have named the Vikings as an option for Danny Dimes after he spent some time with the organization as Sam Darnold’s backup last season.
Rather than re-signing Jones, the Vikings decided to go with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback, but he has largely struggled, and the Vikes are just 5-8 after going 14-3 last season.
Following his release from the New York Giants and backup stint in Minnesota, Jones signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Colts in free agency.
Amid the Colts’ 8-2 start, Jones was in the NFL MVP conversation. However, they have since lost three games in a row, and they would be outside the playoffs if the season ended today.
Still, the 28-year-old Jones far exceeded expectations this season, completing 68.0 percent of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while also rushing for 164 yards and five scores.
According to Schefter, the Colts and Jones did not have any contract negotiations before his injury, but the Colts are expected to make a strong push for him with cost perhaps being the deciding factor in whether he sticks around.
Had Jones stayed healthy and finished the season on a positive note, he may have been in line to get a contract similar to the three-year, $100.5 million deal Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks or the three-year, $100 million pact Baker Mayfield signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Colts and other teams could be less willing to make that type of commitment to Jones now that he is coming off a major injury, but he may still be the best quarterback option for Indy in 2026 and beyond.