The Indianapolis Colts are moving swiftly to finalize a contract with quarterback Daniel Jones as the NFL Combine takes place in Indianapolis this week. With the free agency period beginning on March 11, the Colts face a pressing timeline to reach an agreement and potentially avoid using the franchise or transition tag on Jones.
Jones led the Colts as the starting quarterback for 13 games last season, compiling an 8-5 record before suffering an Achilles tendon injury in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. His performance had positioned the team as playoff contenders before the injury occurred.
Current Talks Evaluate Long-Term Deal While Facing a Crucial Deadline
Drafted sixth overall by the New York Giants in 2019, Jones showed signs of becoming a franchise cornerstone during his single season with Indianapolis. He completed 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards, throwing 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions while also contributing 164 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Negotiations for a multi-year contract are underway, signaling mutual interest between Jones and the Colts to continue their partnership.
Jones wants to stay here in Indianapolis,
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported.
The Colts want to keep Jones, who was playing his best football prior to injuries last year, including the Achilles [tendon] tear that he’s rehabbing from.
However, determining the appropriate value for a multi-year contract remains a challenge.
The question is what really is that number that makes sense on a multi-year deal.
The Colts and Jones are working against a critical March 3 deadline, which is the cutoff to apply either the franchise or transition tag, two days after the Combine concludes. Failure to reach a deal by this date could lead the Colts to use one of these tags to retain Jones for the upcoming season.
If the sides cannot come to an agreement on that, a tag is an option, whether that’s the franchise tag or the transition tag,
Pelissero explained.
The deadline for applying [either tag] is March 3, which is two days after the combine ends, so those conversations this week are going to be pivotal.
Negotiations with Alec Pierce Could Depend on Jones’ Contract Outcome
The Colts’ discussions about Daniel Jones’ future could influence their approach to wide receiver Alec Pierce, who is also entering free agency. If a long-term deal is agreed upon with Jones, the team might choose to place the franchise or transition tag on Pierce to keep him in Indianapolis.
Pierce emerged as a key receiving target during Jones’ tenure, setting career highs with 47 receptions and 1,003 yards, while leading the league in yards per reception (21.3) for the second consecutive year. The connection between the two players was especially productive before Jones’ injury.
With Jones and Pierce forming a dynamic duo on the offense, the Colts are motivated to secure their futures together.
If Jones ends up getting a deal, then a tag could be an option for Pierce, who they’d also like to sign for the long term,
Pelissero remarked.
Importance of Contract Decisions as NFL Combine Deadline Approaches
The Colts’ efforts to finalize Daniel Jones’ contract before the Combine ends will have significant ramifications for the team’s roster strategy this offseason. Locking in Jones under a long-term deal would provide stability at the quarterback position and likely affect the team’s decisions regarding wide receiver Alec Pierce.
As discussions intensify with the March 3 tagging deadline looming, Indianapolis must balance contract negotiations with the health and potential of Jones, who remains in rehab from last season’s Achilles injury. The outcomes in the coming days will shape the Colts’ plans heading into the 2024 season and beyond.
