The Indianapolis Colts have made a major decision about their quarterback future, agreeing to a two-year contract extension with Daniel Jones. The new deal is valued at $88 million, with incentives that could push the total value to $100 million.
This agreement replaces the one-year transition tag worth $37.833 million that the Colts placed on Jones earlier in March. The move signals the team’s strong commitment to stability at quarterback after several years of uncertainty following Andrew Luck’s retirement.
Colts Lock in Daniel Jones With New Contract
Indianapolis decided to move forward with Jones after his strong performance early in the 2025 season. The quarterback joined the Colts on a one-year, $14 million deal before last season and quickly earned the starting role.
Jones led the team to an impressive 8-2 start before suffering a torn Achilles tendon, which forced him to miss the final four games of the season. Despite the injury, the Colts showed confidence in the veteran quarterback by agreeing to a longer contract.
The Colts and QB Daniel Jones are finalizing a two-year, $88 million deal that can be worth up to $100 million with incentives, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2026
Originally on the transition tag, Indiana Jones gets over $60 million guaranteed on a deal done by @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/O3OfkLMuAS
Daniel Jones Contract Details
| Contract Term | Amount |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 Years |
| Base Value | $88 Million |
| Maximum Value (Incentives) | $100 Million |
| Guaranteed Money | $60 Million |
| Previous Tag | $37.833 Million |
The deal also includes $50 million fully guaranteed at signing and additional guarantees related to injury protection.
Also Read: Lamar Jackson Contract Update: Ravens Create $40M Cap Space for 2026
Why the Colts Committed to Jones
The Colts have been searching for stability at the quarterback position since Andrew Luck retired before the 2019 season. Multiple quarterbacks have started games during that stretch, making consistency difficult.
Jones helped bring stability during his first season with the team. Before his injury, he was playing some of the best football of his career and was on track for strong statistical numbers.
Daniel Jones 2025 Season Before Injury
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 3,101 |
| Touchdowns | 19 |
| Team Record During Hot Start | 8-2 |
The Colts believe that if Jones returns healthy, he can continue building on that performance and lead the offense effectively.
Also Read: Josh Allen Restructures Contract as Buffalo Bills Create Cap Space for 2026 Roster Moves
Recovery From Achilles Injury
One of the biggest questions surrounding Jones’ future is his recovery timeline from the Achilles injury that ended his 2025 season.
Jones underwent surgery in December 2025 and has been progressing through rehabilitation since then. The quarterback has expressed confidence that he will be ready for the start of training camp.
The Colts’ front office also remains optimistic about his recovery and believes he is progressing as expected.
Daniel Jones’ NFL Career Journey
Jones entered the NFL as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 draft, selected by the New York Giants after a successful college career at Duke.
His time with the Giants included one playoff appearance before his tenure ended in 2024. After a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings organization, Jones joined Indianapolis seeking a fresh start.
Daniel Jones Career Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Draft Year | 2019 |
| Draft Pick | No. 6 Overall |
| College | Duke |
| Former Team | New York Giants |
| Colts Signing | 2025 Free Agency |
The move to Indianapolis provided a new opportunity, and the strong start last season convinced the Colts to invest in him long-term.
Colts Continue Major Offseason Moves
Jones’ extension is part of a broader effort by Indianapolis to build a stronger roster. Earlier in the week, the team also secured wide receiver Alec Pierce on a major contract extension.
Alec Pierce Contract Overview
| Contract Length | Total Value | Guarantees |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Years | $116 Million | Up to $80 Million |
By locking in both Jones and Pierce, the Colts have made clear their plan to keep the core of their offense together.
The Colts are betting that Jones’ strong early performance in 2025 was a sign of what he can become with the right system and support.
If he returns fully healthy from the Achilles injury, Indianapolis believes the quarterback can lead the team into playoff contention over the next two seasons.
For a franchise that has spent years searching for long-term stability at quarterback, the Daniel Jones extension represents a major commitment to building around him moving forward.
