The Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Daniel Jones have finalized a two-year contract worth $88 million, which could rise to $100 million based on performance incentives, as confirmed by his agents.
According to agents Brian Murphy and Andrew Kessler, Jones will receive $50 million guaranteed upon signing, with an additional $60 million guaranteed in case of injury. “I”m fired up,” Jones expressed during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.” He added that he is thankful for the opportunity to be back with the Colts.
Currently recovering from a torn Achilles, Jones is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, and sources indicated he is likely to participate in training camp. While he acknowledged the rehabilitation as a “process,” he remains optimistic about returning in time for Week 1.
Prior to the March 3 deadline, the Colts used the transition tag on Jones, allowing them to match any offer he might have received from other teams. Had he played under that tender, he would have earned $37.833 million this season. This decision enabled top wide receiver Alec Pierce to explore free agency, but the Colts successfully re-signed him to a four-year deal worth $116 million at the beginning of the free agent negotiating period.
The team also traded wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which provided $24 million in salary cap relief. Jones expressed excitement about Pierce”s return but admitted feeling “bummed” about Pittman”s departure, describing him as a “tremendous leader” and a reliable player. “I wish him the best. I know he”ll crush it with the Steelers,” Jones stated.
Despite prolonged negotiations and being far apart on terms as recently as last week, the Colts remained committed to Jones as their starting quarterback. Team officials had determined months ago that he would be a key part of their offseason strategy, even considering his injury.
Jones, aged 28, had a breakout season with the Colts in 2025 before suffering his Achilles injury in December. He had been leading a potent offense that was on track to set franchise records early in the season. After joining the Colts last offseason and winning a preseason competition against Anthony Richardson Sr., Jones had helped propel the team to an impressive 8-2 start before facing injury setbacks.
His resurgence in Indianapolis followed a turbulent end with the New York Giants, who drafted him sixth overall in 2019 and released him in November 2024. Last season with the Colts, Jones achieved new personal bests in passing yards per attempt, quarterback rating, and completion percentage. Over his career, he has accumulated 17,683 passing yards, along with 89 touchdowns and 55 interceptions.
