Daniel Jones

Jones sustained a torn right Achilles tendon in December with rehabilitation underway, creating significant uncertainty despite optimistic timelines. There is no guarantee that Jones returns to his career-best form after sustaining an injury that so often proves devastating for elite athletes.

Jones is not under contract with the Colts for 2026 and headed for potential free agency in the spring. While the Colts are planning to initiate contract negotiations despite Jones' season-ending Achilles injury, deal structure and terms remain unresolved.

Jones tore his right Achilles in Week 14 (December 2025) and underwent surgery with a 6-8 month recovery timeline. While optimistic projections suggest training camp readiness, Achilles tears historically sap mobility and explosiveness, which are central to Jones's dual-threat effectiveness.

Post-Achilles QBs face genuine performance risk in the return season — reduced pocket mobility, re-injury fear, and compensatory mechanics can all suppress production. While Jones is ahead of schedule, the real test is sustained in-game performance, not April throwing sessions.

Richardson could be a candidate to open 2026 as the team's starter with Daniel Jones headed for free agency, and the Colts likely turn down Richardson's fifth-year option and trade him. Riley Leonard appeared in five games as a rookie, completing 39 passes for 415 yards and two touchdowns.

Anthony Richardson has requested a trade and is missing voluntary OTAs, but no deal had materialized as of late April 2026. GM Ballard acknowledged a scenario where Richardson stays. If Jones struggles early and Richardson is on the roster, mid-season competition is a non-trivial risk.

Jones had a career year in the 13 games he played before his injury, with career highs in passing yards, yards per attempt (8.1), completion rate (68%) and QBR (63.5). Jones and Steichen forged the sort of quarterback-playcaller mind-meld that teams across the NFL constantly seek but don't always find.

Barring a stunning turn of events, Jones will be the Colts' starting quarterback in 2026, with GM Ballard stating Jones 'has got a really bright future here in Indianapolis.' The Colts plan to open talks soon with Daniel Jones on a multi-year deal to keep him in Indianapolis.

Jones returns to an offense featuring Jonathan Taylor (RB1), Tyler Warren (top rookie TE), and three quality WRs in Pittman, Pierce, and Downs—all ranked in dynasty's top + range. This infrastructure supported the Colts' explosive first-half offense in 2025.

The Colts committed $88M over two years in March 2026 with heavy guarantees, signaling full organizational conviction in Jones as the long-term answer. This eliminates internal QB competition risk and guarantees a starting role through at least 2027.

Jones returned to dropping back and throwing in April — ahead of the typical nine-month Achilles recovery window. His surgeon also performed the procedures for Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum, both of whom returned to full capacity, raising optimism for a Week 1 start.

Steichen has publicly named Jones QB1 and the Colts gave him a 2-year extension worth up to $100M in March 2026 — Richardson (who requested a trade) and Leonard are competing only for the backup job, leaving Jones zero same-position threat to his role.