Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts had a good thing going before his season-ending Achilles injury, and it sounds like the duo will try to run it back in 2026. After spending the first six years of his career with the New York Giants, the former Duke product signed a one-year deal to battle Anthony Richardson for the starting job. Jones ultimately won the fight, starting 13 games and going 8-5 while completing 68.0% of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions before tearing his Achilles.
The Colts crashed and burned without Daniel Jones, as Richardson was down with an eye injury while rookie Riley Leonard suffered an injury of his own. With no other hope of saving their season, Indianapolis turned to the long-retired Philip Rivers down the stretch. While he played as well as could be expected given the circumstances, Indianapolis missed the playoffs with an 8-9 record.
With free agency right around the corner, reports indicate that most voices around the league believe Daniel Jones will re-sign with the Colts. According to Jason La Canfora, one general manager said that a reunion “makes too much sense to not happen.”
Daniel Jones Expected to Re-Sign With Indianapolis Colts
The anonymous general manager is correct: it would be a major surprise if Daniel Jones played for any team but the Colts in 2026. While his return from the torn Achilles is a major red flag, Jones clearly knows how to operate head coach Shane Steichen’s offense and has chemistry with the players on the roster.
Additionally, the Colts do not have a clear way to improve the quarterback position. Indianapolis traded its first-round pick for cornerback Sauce Gardner, so they’d have no way to select a potential franchise quarterback. With veterans like Kyler Murray being a lateral move at best, the Colts might as well run it back and see if Daniel Jones can recapture his magic.
Main Photo: Corey Perrine – Imagn Images
