During the 2025 season, the Indianapolis Colts made a major trade with the New York Jets, acquiring cornerback Sauce Gardner by giving up two future first-round picks. This move made it clear that the Colts were fully committed to a Super Bowl run and likely planned to keep Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback for the near future. However, a serious Achilles tendon injury suffered by Jones complicates the team’s plans as they consider a long-term contract.
Jones, sidelined for over two months following his injury, is entering free agency and the Colts must decide whether to extend his contract despite concerns over his recovery from a second major leg injury. While the team seems inclined to stick with Jones, questions remain about whether he can regain the form that prompted the Colts’ bold moves initially.
Analyst Suggests Colts Should Offer Jones a Moderate Contract Similar to Sam Darnold’s
ESPN commentator Louis Riddick has advised caution regarding the value the Colts place on Jones in forthcoming contract negotiations. Riddick argues that although Jones merits a long-term deal, it should not match the level suggested by the franchise tag, which is around $47 million annually.
He advocates for a contract more aligned with deals given to quarterbacks like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, which hover in the $33 to $35 million per year range. Riddick recognizes Jones’ strong start to the season but warns the Colts about committing too heavily financially.
“He is, but it’s not going to be at what the franchise tag would suggest. It’s not going to be at $47 (million) per year. That’s not what he’s worth,”
Riddick stated.
“The Colts obviously understand what they have what they have in him,”
Riddick said on Get Up, adding,
“And they understand they understand that maybe he has found now the right fit with Shane Steichen. But I think you also have to be kind of very conscious of what kind of long-term deal you sign with this young man, and really what his average per year ends up becoming.”
He also expressed confidence in the Colts’ quarterback depth if they enter next season with both Jones and Riley Leonard.
Jones Could Command a Higher Price if Allowed to Enter the Free Agent Market
Jones’ recent performance includes 24 total touchdowns and over 3,100 passing yards in 13 games during the 2025 season. Despite this, his impending free agency presents challenges for the Colts, especially with multiple teams in need of a quarterback potentially driving up his market value.
ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum pointed out that teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, and Minnesota Vikings could extend Jones’ price tag by competing for his services in free agency. Spotrac currently estimates his market value at $43.6 million per year for a four-year contract.
Indianapolis holds the 13th spot in league cap space, but managing finances will be tricky since the team lacks first-round draft picks and must also retain key free agents. This situation places significant pressure on general manager Chris Ballard, who is under scrutiny to both improve the roster and secure the players essential to maintaining the team’s strong performance.
As the offseason approaches, all eyes are on Ballard’s moves to balance salary commitments while assembling a roster capable of serious Super Bowl contention.
