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Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen
Shane Steichen will return for a fourth season at the helm of the Indianapolis Colts.
Indy started the 2025 season off hot with a 7-1 record, before things went the complete opposite direction. The team went on to win one game after Week 8 and ended the season on a seven-game losing streak.
With the new league year just a few weeks away, the Colts will have to be extra cautious with moves due to limited resources.
The question for Indianapolis remains, as it has for the last few seasons, who will be behind the center. With Daniel Jones set to become a free agent, the Colts will have to prepare for different options in case he does not return.
Bringing $230.5 Million QB to Indy
GettyShane Steichen may have his solution at quarterback
The Indianapolis Colts haven’t had a Pro Bowl quarterback since Andrew Luck. With the offseason coming up soon, Indy can add its potential long-term Pro Bowl solution at quarterback.
A few QBs are on the trade block or might be released in the near future, which can swing things into the Colts’ favor when trying to make a deal.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton names Indy as a landing spot for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, who was benched in the 2025 season.
“The Indianapolis Colts can franchise-tag or re-sign Daniel Jones, though it’s not a lock they’ll do either while he recovers from a knee injury. The 28-year-old tore his ACL late in December, which makes him uncertain to be ready for Week 1 of the upcoming season,” Moton wrote. “Murray would be a better option.”
“Jones has missed multiple games in six out of seven seasons because of an injury or a coach’s decision to bench him. Because of that, he’s missed at least four games in each of the last three seasons…Assuming Murray has fully recovered from a foot injury, he provides more certainty at quarterback with a slightly better resume. Colts head coach and offensive play-caller Shane Steichen maximized Jones’ skill set. Murray could also use his legs, but he stretches the field more frequently with his deep-ball passing…”
A change in scenery may work for Murray; look how Daniel Jones played after his years with the New York Giants.
Murray, a two-time Pro Bowler, will pair with Steichen (an offensive-minded coach) and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, who were able to put Jones on track for his best season in most major statistics.
The former Oklahoma Sooner has been given the short end of the stick when it comes to injuries, playing one complete season out of the last five. But placing him behind Indy’s offensive line, graded the second-best by Pro Football Focus in the 2025 season, can help Murray in the long run. The QB will have more time in the pocket and won’t be forced to make plays on the run or with his legs downfield.
When healthy, Murray can throw for more than 3,700 yards and a minimum of 20 touchdowns.
Indy has long struggled to find a long-term quarterback, but Murray may be the answer for the franchise.
Moton did not include a trade package if Indy were interested in acquiring the player.
Daniel Jones, Colts In Contract Negotiations
GettyThe Colts may already have the answer to QB
While the free agency doesn’t begin for a while, the Indianapolis Colts are starting negotiations to keep their key players from the 2025 season.
It was reported that Indy and Daniel Jones are in talks to keep the quarterback beyond just one season.
If both sides are unable to reach a number, it is believed the Colts will place the franchise tag on Jones, which will be around $47 million, a number the quarterback should be happy with.
The biggest concern, as Moe Moton mentioned, is whether Jones will be ready for the 2026 season opener. If not, either Anthony Richardson or Riley Leonard will be the signal caller for the Colts to start the season.
Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. More about Jason Garcia
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