The Indianapolis Colts entered the 2025 season with optimism after signing veteran quarterback Daniel Jones to a one-year deal worth up to $17.7 million.
Jones won the starting job over Anthony Richardson and delivered what shaped up to be a breakout year, completing 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 13 starts. He posted career highs in completion percentage and passer rating. Jones helped Indianapolis start 7-1, positioning the Colts as early AFC contenders before injury setbacks derailed their campaign.
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Jones battled a fractured fibula late in the season, playing through it before his campaign ended in Week 14 when he suffered a non-contact torn Achilles tendon during a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, immediately ruling him out for the rest of the year.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17).© Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(© Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Surgery followed, and the Colts turned to veteran Philip Rivers, who came out of retirement to start three games, and rookie Riley Leonard, as Indianapolis finished the season 8-9 and outside playoff contention.
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With Jones’ contract expiring this spring and free agency approaching, there was uncertainty about whether the Colts would commit long-term to the 28-year-old, especially given the recovery timeline from Achilles surgery.
However, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Sunday that the Colts plan to open talks soon with Jones on a multiyear deal, signaling that the organization still views him as a core piece moving forward.
A multiyear extension is justified in part because Jones’ play before the injury showed real offensive growth under head coach Shane Steichen, giving Indianapolis a winning team identity. General manager Chris Ballard has previously expressed confidence in Jones and interest in a reunion.
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“We’ll work through that with his agent. He’s got a really good agent. We’ll find a way to work through that,” Ballard said in January.
Additionally, Jones is expected to be fully cleared by training camp after a six- to eight-month recovery, per medical projections, which keeps him in line to compete for the starting job in 2026.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.