The Indianapolis Colts have made a massive statement about their future at quarterback, agreeing to a two-year, $88 million deal with Daniel Jones that could reach $100 million with incentives. The contract includes $50 million fully guaranteed at signing and $60 million guaranteed for injury, signaling the franchise’s full commitment to Jones moving forward.
For a quarterback who has faced criticism throughout his career, the deal instantly sparked debate across the NFL world.
A Huge Payday for “Danny Dimes”
Jones, 28, arrived in Indianapolis in 2025 after a turbulent run with the New York Giants and a short stint with the Minnesota Vikings. Originally drafted 6th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Duke, Jones spent nearly six seasons with the Giants before being released in 2024.
His career was often defined by inconsistency and injuries, but the Colts saw something different when they signed him to a one-year deal last season. After winning the starting job over Anthony Richardson in training camp, Jones quickly reshaped the narrative.
Through 13 games in 2025, Jones threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions, posting a 100.2 passer rating while also adding five rushing touchdowns.
Even more impressive was how Indianapolis started the season. With Jones under center, the Colts surged to an 8–1 start and were playing some of the most explosive offensive football in the league before injuries derailed the run.
The Injury That Nearly Changed Everything
The biggest concern surrounding Jones isn’t talent — it’s health.
In December 2025, Jones suffered a torn Achilles, ending what had been the most promising stretch of his career. Despite the injury, the Colts never seriously considered moving on. Team officials reportedly decided months ago that Jones would remain the cornerstone of their offseason plans.
The team even placed the rarely used transition tag on him earlier this offseason to prevent other teams from stealing him away while negotiations continued.
Now, Indianapolis has locked him up with one of the largest short-term quarterback deals in NFL history.
The Colts Are All In
This contract isn’t just about Jones — it’s about the direction of the franchise.
Indianapolis has already begun reshaping the roster around him. The team re-signed wide receiver Alec Pierce to a four-year, $116 million deal while trading former No. 1 receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers to create cap flexibility.
The message is clear: the Colts believe Jones is their guy.
If healthy, he’s expected to be ready for training camp and the start of the 2026 season, something Jones himself expressed confidence about during recent interviews.
The Debate Is Already Starting
Of course, not everyone agrees with the move.
Jones’ new contract places him among the higher-paid quarterbacks in the league by average annual value, a stunning number for a player whose career record is still below .500 and whose reputation has long been polarizing.
But the Colts are betting that his breakout stretch in 2025 wasn’t a fluke — and that the best version of Daniel Jones is still ahead.
If he returns healthy and plays like he did before the injury, Indianapolis may have secured a franchise quarterback at the perfect time.
If not, the NFL world will be asking the same question everyone is asking today:
Did the Colts really just pay $88 million for Daniel Jones?
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