Daniel Jones

Indianapolis Colts
Quarterback #8
FANTASY NEWS STATS INJURY

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Daniel Jones a QB1 if Ready for Season Opener?

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) continues to work his way back from injury. He recently signed a two-year extension to keep him in Indianapolis through 2027, but he's not a lock to start Week 1 this upcoming season. Depending on how his recovery goes, Jones could miss the early portion of the season, leaving Riley Leonard in line to start. Managers likely won't have much clarity on his timeline until the middle or end of the summer, leaving plenty of questions about his fantasy value for 2026. When healthy last year, Jones was a legitimate QB1 in fantasy football. He ranked as the overall QB9 before getting injured, averaging 253.4 passing yards, 13.3 rushing yards, and 2.0 total touchdowns per game. Jones' ADP might end up pricing him as a top-10 quarterback, meaning you'll have no choice but to draft him as a QB1. If that happens, spending a draft pick on a decent QB2 is imperative, since you might be without Jones for the first few weeks of the season. When he does return, though, he should offer consistent production as a weekly fantasy starter.

Mar 28, 2026 8:22 AM EST

Colts, Daniel Jones Agree to Two-Year, $88 Million Deal

The Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Daniel Jones agreed to a two-year, $88 million deal on Wednesday that could be worth up to $100 million, multiple sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Jones will get $50 million in the first year, and it's the largest two-year contract in history. It officially makes Indiana Jones the Colts' franchise QB after his impressive first year with the team in 2025. The 28-year-old won't have to play the 2026 season on the transition tag, which would have paid him $37.83 million this year. Before tearing his right Achilles tendon in Week 14, the former sixth overall pick in 2019 by the New York Giants out of Duke had thrown for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Jones looked good last year in his first year with the team, but his uncertain recovery from a major injury will make him a pretty risky QB2 selection in fantasy football drafts later this year.

Mar 11, 2026 7:27 AM EST

Daniel Jones Closing in on Two-Year Extension with Colts?

Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com report that the Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) have made "significant progress" on a two-year extension and that there is "optimism that a deal could get done" on Wednesday. Indianapolis placed the transition tag on Jones earlier this offseason, so the veteran quarterback is guaranteed $37.83 million in 2026 if no extension agreement is reached. Jones was in the midst of a breakout season in his first year with the Colts in 2025, completing 68% of his pass attempts for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions across 13 starts. However, the 28-year-old suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon in Week 14. It's unclear at this point whether Jones will be ready for the start of the 2026 season. His fantasy value is heavily influenced by his legs (20 career rushing touchdowns), so fantasy managers may want to be cautious with Jones until he proves he is back to full health.

Mar 11, 2026 6:21 AM EST

Colts, Daniel Jones Making Progress on Long-Term Deal

The Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Daniel Jones have made progress on a long-term deal, but nothing has been finalized yet, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Both sides remain in contact. The Colts placed the transition tag on Jones, which will pay him a fully guaranteed $37.83 million for 2026 if he doesn't sign a long-term extension. Jones' representatives reportedly countered a previous long-term offer by Indy and asked for $50 million per season. The two sides were pretty far apart on the numbers, but it sounds like they're getting closer to a middle ground to lock Jones up as their starter under center for the future. The 28-year-old former sixth overall pick by the New York Giants in 2019 out of Duke was having a career year in his first year in Indy in 2025, throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions before tearing his Achilles in the second half of the year. It sounds like something will eventually get done, and he'll return to the Colts. As far as Jones' fantasy value goes, there will be a lot of skepticism with him spending all offseason rehabbing his Achilles tendon tear.

Mar 10, 2026 11:05 AM EST

Daniel Jones Asks for $50 Million Per Year

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reports that the Indianapolis Colts' initial offer to quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) was in the range of Sam Darnold's three-year, $100.5 million deal he signed with the Seattle Seahawks last offseason. Jones' camp countered and asked for a deal worth $50 million per year. Instead of franchise-tagging Jones, the Colts gave him the transition tag. The 28-year-old was having one of the best years of his career in his first year in Indy before his torn Achilles tendon in Week 14, throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 13 starts. If Jones were to return to Indy in 2026 and play on the transition tender, he'd make $37.833 million. Breer suggests that Jones will likely have to come down on his demands with the Colts if he wants to return to a familiar place without having to learn a new offense. Jones' rehab is expected to cost him most of the offseason, which will make him a pretty risky QB2 in fantasy football drafts. The Colts bringing back wideout Alec Pierce should help get Jones back in the building.

Mar 9, 2026 6:07 PM EST

Colts Place Transition Tag on Daniel Jones

The Indianapolis Colts are placing the transition tag on impending free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) on Tuesday, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The transition tag is $37.833 million, more than $6 million cheaper than the QB franchise tag. It allows Jones to sign an offer sheet with another team, with the Colts having the right to match any offer. The Minnesota Vikings are a team to watch, although they probably aren't in a position to spend big at the position this offseason with limited salary cap space. The 28-year-old and the Colts now have until July 15 to work out a long-term extension, and there is mutual interest on both sides. Jones completed 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions before tearing his Achilles in Week 14. He was given a six- to eight-month timetable after having surgery in December. Jones' 2026 fantasy value will depend on whether he stays with the Colts and whether he'll be ready to go for Week 1.

Mar 3, 2026 10:47 AM EST

Vikings Could Make an Offer to Daniel Jones

The Minnesota Vikings could make an offer to Indianapolis Colts impending free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) in free agency if the Colts use the transition tag on him, according to ESPN's Peter Schrager. If the Vikings pursue Jones in free agency, the Colts would have the right to match any offer. The transition tag would pay Jones $37.8 million in 2026, so the Vikings would have to offer him at least that much to make him consider leaving Indianapolis. The 28-year-old former sixth overall pick by the New York Giants in 2019 out of Duke looked great in 13 starts with the Colts in 2025 before tearing his Achilles in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts have made it clear they view Jones as their starter going forward if they can bring him back, but reuniting with Vikings head coach and QB whisperer Kevin O'Connell in Minnesota could be very attractive to Jones. Stay tuned.

Mar 3, 2026 7:06 AM EST

Colts Expected to Use Transition Tag on Daniel Jones

There is no momentum between the Indianapolis Colts and impending free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) on a long-term deal, which means a transition tag is "now the expected outcome" at the deadline on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Jones would make $37.8 million in 2026 on the transition tag, but it would also give him the chance to find a bigger contract in free agency while negotiating with other teams. In the meantime, it looks like Indy could strike a long-term deal with receiver Alec Pierce as they look to keep both Jones and Pierce in the fold in 2026 and beyond. Jones was having one of his best seasons in 2025 before tearing his Achilles in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he finished with 3,101 passing yards, 19 touchdown passes, and eight interceptions in 13 starts. Returning to Indy would be ideal from a familiarity standpoint, but fantasy managers will be hesitant that Jones can replicate his success last year while coming off a serious injury.

Mar 3, 2026 7:00 AM EST

Colts Have "50/50" Chance to Get a Deal Done With Daniel Jones

ESPN's Adam Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday that he was told "it's 50/50" that the Indianapolis Colts will be able to get a deal done with impending free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) by Tuesday's deadline. If a long-term deal isn't done, Schefter thinks "the transition tag is in play here." If the Colts have to use the tag on Jones, it means that wide receiver Alec Pierce could make it to the open market when the new league year begins. The 28-year-old Jones was in the midst of a career year in Indy in 2025 before he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts have made it clear that they want Danny Dimes back as their starter in 2026, but it remains to be seen if his injury will affect the length of a potential new contract. The next thing to focus on will be whether Jones will actually be 100% for the start of the regular season this fall after throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in his 13 starts last year.

Mar 2, 2026 8:18 AM EST

Colts, Daniel Jones Not Close to a Contract Extension

As of Saturday morning, "it doesn't sound close" as far as the Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) on a long-term contract extension, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN. If the Colts can't get a deal done with Jones by Tuesday's tag deadline, it "sounds like they'll put the transition tag on him." However, that means wide receiver Alec Pierce could hit free agency, and another team could sign Jones to an offer sheet. Graziano thinks the Colts will still push to get a long-term deal with Jones done. Jones would receive $43.9 million on the franchise tag and $37.8 million on the transition tag. Locking Jones into a long-term deal is also the best way to get Pierce to want to return in 2026 and beyond. Even though the 28-year-old signal-caller suffered a torn Achilles in the second half of last year, he'd be in high demand if he were to reach the open market after having a bounce-back campaign in Indy before his injury.

Mar 1, 2026 7:32 AM EST

Colts, Daniel Jones in Talks for Multi-Year Extension

The Indianapolis Colts and impending free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) have been in talks on a multi-year contract extension and are expected to meet face-to-face in Indy during this week's NFL scouting combine, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The two sides have mutual interest in a reunion, and the Colts could resort to using the franchise tag on the veteran signal-caller if they cannot reach an extension by March 3. Jones was playing the best football of his career in 2025 in his first year with the Colts before suffering a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 14. The 28-year-old former sixth overall pick by the New York Giants in 2019 out of Duke threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 13 starts. All signs are pointing to Jones returning to Indy in 2026, although it's unclear if he'll be ready to start in the Week 1 regular-season opener.

Feb 23, 2026 8:58 AM EST

Daniel Jones a Candidate for Franchise Tag?

NFL.com's Judy Battista writes that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) could receive the franchise tag to buy the team some time to work out a long-term contract extension. The Colts have made it clear that they want Jones to be their starter in 2026 whenever he's healthy. Plenty of teams around the league would be interested in the 28-year-old if he were to reach free agency, though, so the tag could be in play for him if he doesn't agree to an extension before the free-agent negotiating period starts on March 9. Battista adds that the decision on Jones is linked to the Colts' chances of re-signing receiver Alec Pierce, who is coming off a career year as the team's No. 1 wideout. If the Colts get Jones signed to an extension, they could then use the franchise tag on Pierce instead. Jones had a nice bounce-back season in his first year in Indy in 2025, throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions before tearing his Achilles in Week 14 against the Jaguars.

Feb 17, 2026 8:40 AM EST

Colts Plan to Begin Extension Talks With Daniel Jones Soon

The Indianapolis Colts plan to begin contract-extension talks with impending free-agent quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) soon on a multi-year deal, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Jones signed a one-year, $14 million deal with Indy last offseason and was having a bounce-back season in 2025 until he tore his Achilles in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts fell apart after Jones' injury and missed the playoffs. There is mutual interest on both sides in getting a deal done this offseason, so the expectation is that Jones will be back with the Colts. If they cannot agree on a multi-year extension, the franchise tag would be in play. The 28-year-old signal-caller completed a career-high 68% of his pass attempts in his 13 starts for Indy while throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Jones' 2026 fantasy value will hinge on his readiness for the start of the season this fall.

Feb 9, 2026 10:17 AM EST

Colts Plan to Re-Sign Daniel Jones

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said the team plans to re-sign quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) this offseason, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. "I'm looking at him both near and long [term]," Ballard said of Jones, adding, "When you're chasing the quarterback all the time, it makes it very hard. Your margin for error really shrinks down. And I feel very good about Daniel Jones and where he's at, where he's going. Yes, he's got the Achilles. But I think Daniel Jones has got a really bright future here in Indianapolis." The 28-year-old tore his Achilles in Week 14, and the Colts ended up missing the playoffs after starting 8-2. Meanwhile, former first-rounder Anthony Richardson Sr.'s future in Indy is in question after losing the starting job to Jones and then suffering a season-ending orbital fracture in October. Jones threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight picks in 13 starts before his season-ending Achilles tear. He proved in 2025 that he has QB1 upside in the Colts' offense, but his lengthy injury history makes him more of a QB2 target in fantasy drafts.

Jan 8, 2026 7:27 PM EST

Colts Want Daniel Jones Back in 2026

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Monday that he thinks quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) will want to run it back with the team in 2026, and that the team would like to have him back, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. The Colts were well on their way to a playoff spot and were battling for the top seed in the AFC until Jones suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 28-year-old did more than enough for the Colts to want him back next year as their starting QB after he completed a career-best 68% of his 384 pass attempts for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 13 starts. Jones added 164 rushing yards and five TDs on the ground. Barring a setback with his rehab from an Achilles tear, Jones figures to be ready right around the start of training camp in late July.

Jan 5, 2026 3:12 PM EST

Indianapolis Colts and Daniel Jones Appear to Have "Mutual Interest" in a 2026 Reunion

Mike Chappell, a long-time sports journalist who covers the Indianapolis Colts, reported that head coach Shane Steichen said there is a "Mutual Desire" for Daniel Jones (Achilles) to return to Indianapolis and resume as the starting quarterback for the Colts once healthy. Jones had himself a phenomenal 2025 season before injuring his Achilles in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He led the Colts to an 8-2 record before the team lost its last seven games, finishing the season 8-9. The Colts brought Jones in over the off-season on a one-year, $14M contract, and with him expected to be an unrestricted free agent in the off-season, there appears to be interest in having him return to quarterback the Colts in 2026. Latest reports suggest Jones will be ready for training camp in 2026. The 28-year-old threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while rushing for 164 yards on 45 rushing attempts and five scores over 13 games in 2025.

Jan 5, 2026 9:34 AM EST

Daniel Jones Undergoes Surgery, Expected to be Ready for Training Camp

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) underwent surgery to repair his Achilles, which will sideline him for six to eight months. This should give Jones the ability to get fully cleared in time for training camp next summer. Jones is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but the two sides have reportedly not been discussing a contract extension. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Colts are expected to try to re-sign Jones, but the question is at what cost. Before going down in Week 14, Jones was experiencing a bounce-back season. The 28-year-old threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, eight interceptions, while rushing for 164 yards on 45 rushing attempts and five scores over 13 games in 2025.

Dec 13, 2025 6:43 PM EST

Colts Officially Place Daniel Jones on Injured Reserve

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) was placed on Injured Reserve on Tuesday after suffering a season-ending torn Achilles in Sunday's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Shane Steichen said Jones is expected to undergo surgery "within the week." It's a devastating injury for Jones and the Colts after an incredible start to his tenure in Indianapolis. The 28-year-old was on pace for a career-best season, completing 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while adding 45 carries for 164 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. With rookie quarterback Riley Leonard (knee) considered week-to-week with a PCL sprain and Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) on Injured Reserve, the Colts signed 44-year-old Philip Rivers to their practice squad on Tuesday. Rivers is expected to be the starter eventually, but it's to be determined if he or Brett Rypien will start in a tough Week 15 matchup on the road against the Seattle Seahawks.

Dec 9, 2025 4:25 PM EST

Daniel Jones' Season Over with Torn Achilles

An MRI on Monday officially confirmed that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) has torn his Achilles and will miss the rest of the season. Jones suffered the non-contact injury in the first quarter of a Week 14 loss to the Jaguars and was replaced by 6th-round rookie Riley Leonard. Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) remains on IR and has not been cleared for football activities after a Week 6 pregame incident with a resistance band fractured his orbital bone, requiring surgery. Heading into Sunday, the only other quarterback in the building was practice squad veteran Brett Rypien, so the team is expected to add additional depth before a Week 15 matchup with the Seahawks. Playing over 75% of the Colts' offensive snaps on Sunday, Leonard threw for 145 yards, zero touchdowns, and an interception, while adding five yards and a rushing touchdown on the ground. With an unenviable schedule against the Seahawks, 49ers, and Jaguars, pass catchers Alec Pierce, Michael Pittman Jr., and Tyler Warren suddenly become less appealing plays for the fantasy playoffs, while Jonathan Taylor will likely be tasked with handling an even larger workload down the stretch.

Dec 8, 2025 2:20 PM EST

Daniel Jones Could be Done for Season with Achilles Injury

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that quarterback Daniel Jones' Achilles injury could be season-ending. Steichen couldn't confirm the exact severity or timeline, but he said that it's "not looking good." If Jones' season is officially over, it will be an abrupt ending to his Comeback Player of the Year candidacy. The former first-round pick out of Duke had drastically exceeded expectations during his first year with Indianapolis, completing 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 passing touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He also had 164 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. The Colts are already without Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye), so losing Jones for an extended period of time would bump Riley Leonard into the starting role. Indianapolis is 8-5 and would slot into the No. 7 seed in the AFC playoff picture if the season ended today.

Dec 7, 2025 4:56 PM EST