As the Indianapolis Colts enter another offseason filled with potential roster shifts, the team’s attention remains firmly on securing longtime commitments from two essential players: Alec Pierce and Daniel Jones. With their contracts set to expire, both are expected to remain with the Colts beyond the 2026 season, as indicated by ongoing discussions aimed at agreeing on long-term deals.
Management Confident About Keeping Pierce and Jones
During the NFL Scouting Combine, Colts general manager Chris Ballard emphasized that neither Pierce nor Jones are expected to explore free agency at this time. “It’s not something that’s entering my mind right now,’’ Ballard said. “That’s the plan, for both of them to be back. Daniel and Alec are such big pieces, and then we move and fit from there.’’
Ballard described negotiations for contract extensions with both players as “good” and highlighted the positive nature of talks so far. “We’ve had great discussions about both of them,’’ he added. “We’ll continue to work this week and see if we can get something done. It’s been very positive.’’
Urgency to Finalize Deals Ahead of Free Agency Window
The Colts face a tight timeline with the official free agent negotiation window opening March 11-13. Ballard acknowledges the pressure to close agreements before Jones or Pierce entertain offers from other teams. If negotiations stall, the Colts are prepared to use the franchise tag—a costly but effective measure—to retain either player.
“It’s not what we want to do,’’ Ballard said of the franchise tag, “but it’s a tool we have.’’ The deadline to employ the tag is March 3, with a guaranteed one-year salary of $47.3 million for Jones and $28.8 million for Pierce, underscoring the Colts’ valuation of these athletes.
Building Around Jones and Pierce in Postseason Rebuild
The franchise’s commitment to Pierce and Jones reflects a strategy to build on the promising start the Colts had in the previous season. After opening with an 8-2 record, the team suffered a seven-game losing streak to close the year, finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year.
Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon has characterized the 2025 season as a “tale of two seasons,” praising the team’s offensive dominance early while acknowledging weaknesses exposed later. “What we saw in that first half is we were in a record way dominating offensively,’’ she said. “I think with a lot of the roster moves we made, we just have to face adversity better, and I believe in the team.’’
Coach Shane Steichen shares this optimism. “This is the most excited I’ve been,’’ he declared. He pointed to the team’s efficiency in offense and defense during its strong start as a foundation for improvement moving forward.
Quarterback Situation Remains a Focus
Anthony Richardson Sr., the Colts’ No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft, has struggled with injuries limiting him to 15 starts. Following a fractured orbital bone and subsequent vision problems, Richardson missed the last 12 games of the previous season. Ballard confirmed Richardson has been medically cleared and is progressing.
When asked about Richardson’s future with the team, Ballard said, “I see a future. With any player, you never know what’s going to happen. Things change. I’m not going to say he needs a complete fresh start. Anthony’s still young. He’s still developing. We’ll see what the future holds. I still believe in Anthony.’’
Recovery Updates on Injured Key Players
Jones remains in rehabilitation following surgery to repair a torn right Achilles suffered in December. The Colts express cautious optimism about his readiness for training camp in late July. Ballard shared, “With the Achilles, it’s the three-month mark when you’re kind of past the danger zone. What is he at now? Seven weeks? Eight weeks? Y’all have been around Daniel enough to know he’s pretty diligent in everything he does. You’ve always got to bring him back a little bit. We feel good about where he’s at and where he’s going.’’
Jones has resumed throwing in a stationary manner. Coach Steichen added, “He’s attacking his rehab the right way. I feel confident he’ll be ready to go by training camp.’’
Veteran defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has undergone surgery to fix a herniated neck disc, an injury that caused him to miss most of the closing regular-season games. Ballard remarked positively about Buckner’s recovery, stating, “Yeah, he’s good. I think it was some relief for Buck when he got it done. He’s had injuries in his career, but really it was the first time that he had one that was pretty serious. And getting the surgery done, the relief that I think he felt. One, knowing that ‘I feel better.’ Instantly he felt better. And two, ‘I’m gonna play football again.’’’ The Colts expect Buckner to be ready for training camp or earlier.
Concerns and Prospects for Other Key Players
Cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr., a notable free-agent signing, was sidelined for much of the previous season due to three concussions. He confessed to contemplating retirement after his second concussion but appears committed to playing again. Ballard said, “We’ve had discussions. He’s in a good frame of mind. I’m not into hypotheticals of what’s going to happen, but his frame of mind is really good right now. I don’t want to say he’s still deciding, but all indications is he’s wanting to move forward and play.’’
Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who carries a significant $29 million cap hit and is under contract through 2026, has publicly questioned his future with the Colts. Despite speculation about his potential release to free up cap space, Ballard dismissed such notions as speculative. He said, “Look, I think the world of Pitt, who he is as a player, and any suggestion he’s not going to be here is pure hypothetical in my mind.’’ There is also the possibility the team could negotiate a contract extension to lessen Pittman’s salary cap impact.
Implications for Colts’ Next Steps
The Colts are poised at a pivotal moment where committing to Pierce and Jones serves as a cornerstone to reviving the team’s playoff ambitions. Successfully finalizing long-term contracts will provide stability and signal a clear direction heading into the 2026 season, especially with other roster questions hinging on injury recoveries and strategic decisions regarding players like Richardson and Pittman.
Coach Steichen’s enthusiasm and Ballard’s steady negotiations portray a franchise eager to capitalize on the progress glimpsed in the previous season’s start. The outcomes of these discussions and player health developments will significantly influence the Colts’ competitiveness in the coming years.
