Daniel Jones has signed 2 yr 88m contract

[Puck]

Jordan Schultz
@Schultz_Report
·
30m
BREAKING: The #Colts and QB Daniel Jones have agreed to a 2-year, $88M deal that could be worth up to $100M, multiple sources tell me.

He gets $50M in the first year and it’s the largest 2-year contract in history. Both sides wanted this to get done, and it officially makes

[Lov2fish]

He fleeced us.

[Puck]

I'm shocked. That is way to much coming off of that injury.

He has a great agent

[Lov2fish]

I'm shocked. That is way to much coming off of that injury.

He has a great agent

Or, or, hear me out. We have a terrible GM?

[ChaosTheory]

It's a 2-year deal. He'll be the 16th highest paid QB in the league in '26.

[Puck]

Or, or, hear me out. We have a terrible GM?

Reading more about this. It's not near as bad as I thought. We have an out after this season if he doesn't play well.

[Oldcolt]

Reading more about this. It's not near as bad as I thought. We have an out after this season if he doesn't play well.

So if things go south the new GM can start new. He better be a true franchise QB that can carry a team at this price. Smells of desperation to me. Hope I’m wrong

[Puck]

Zach Hicks
@ZachHicks2
·
57m
44 million dollar signing bonus with a 5.49 million dollar base in 2026. Without void years, that’s a cap hit around 27 million, which would save Indy around 10 million vs the cap

[Hoopsdoc]

Yeah, I’ll just say it could have been a LOT worse. He’s really only tied to the Colts thru next season.

This was a move made out of desperation. They’re praying that the way he played early last year was more than just the product of a really weak schedule, which I don’t believe.

The plus side is the new regime can start fresh after everyone inevitably gets fired after next year.

[Puck]

Albert Breer
@AlbertBreer
Colts QB Daniel Jones is signing a two-year, $88 million deal to stay in Indianapolis. Details on the agreement ...

• His base pay is $50 million in 2026 ($12.2M more than the tag), with a chance to earn $6 million more in incentives.

• His base pay is $38 million in 2027 ($10M of which is guaranteed), with a chance earn another $6 million more in incentives.

• That brings the max value to $100 million over two years, which, as we've reported, was where Jones wanted to be.

• As part of the incentives, Jones gets $100,000 per win (so long as he plays at least 50% of the offensive snaps in the game) over the next two years.

[Puck]

Yeah, I’ll just say it could have been a LOT worse. He’s really only tied to the Colts thru next season.

This was a move made out of desperation. They’re praying that the way he played early last year was more than just the product of a really weak schedule, which I don’t believe.

The plus side is the new regime can start fresh after everyone inevitably gets fired after next year.


I like Jones. So I am glad this got done.

Looking at the deal, it really isnt too bad. But what other teams was he going to sign with? Who were we competing with that they had to do this kind of money.

If he wasnt injured last yr. after the way he was playing 50/yr is fine Just hope there are no setbacks with the injury.

[Puck]

Noah Compton
@nerlens_
#Colts QB Daniel Jones contract details per
@ProFootballTalk
:

1. Signing bonus: $44M
2. 2026 base salary: $5.49M, fully guaranteed.
3. 2026 per-game roster bonus: $510,000 total ($30,000 per).
4. 2027 offseason roster bonus: $4M, $510,000 of which is fully guaranteed at signing.

[Oldcolt]

Well let's hope it costs us 100 million over the next two years. It is worth paying more to get this down to two years. Don't like the situation we find ourselves in but in this situation this at least give some protection if Jones doesn't come back the same QB or reverts to NY Giant Jones. I expect AR to be traded very soon. Carlee has put her money where her mouth was. Spent a ton this last week. I appreciate that. Good sign.

[Puck]

James Boyd
@RomeovilleKid
Reminder: The #Colts don’t have a first-round pick again until 2028 because they traded their 2026 and 2027 selections to the Jets in the Sauce Gardner trade.

So, if this goes poorly, it’s better to have Daniel Jones’ contract end in 2027 if the team needs to draft a QB in 2028.

[Colts And Orioles]

o


I'm wondering if part of the reason why Ballard wound up giving Jones a 2 year-deal instead of trying to stick to the 1-year transition-tag deal is because it's his way of insinuating that the 2026 season is not necessarily his last chance at producing only his 2nd ever playoff team (the 2020 Philip Rivers season being his only one to-date in his tenure as the team's GM) ...... Daniel Jones is now under contract for 2 years, so perhaps Ballard is saying that I too am not to have my final judgement placed upon me until the end of those 2 years.

o

[sherck]

Both Over the Cap and Spotrac are saying that there are 3 void years tacked onto the end of the 2-year "real" contract to spread out the signing bonus pro-rated amount.

2026 Cap Hit looks to be $14.680m
2027 Cap Hit looks to be $46.800m
2028 Cap Hit looks to be $26.400m (due to accellerated pro-rated signing bonus amounts now accellerated into 2028 since he is no longer under contract).

[[NOTE: There is $120k not being accounted for in anyone's numbers if the contract was for a flat $88m.]]

If cut after 2026, hit cap hit appears to be $45.710m so just less than if we let him play in 2027.

Honestly? For the position the team is in, this a fine contract.

[Hoopsdoc]

Both Over the Cap and Spotrac are saying that there are 3 void years tacked onto the end of the 2-year "real" contract to spread out the signing bonus pro-rated amount.

2026 Cap Hit looks to be $14.680m
2027 Cap Hit looks to be $46.800m
2028 Cap Hit looks to be $26.400m (due to accellerated pro-rated signing bonus amounts now accellerated into 2028 since he is no longer under contract).

[[NOTE: There is $120k not being accounted for in anyone's numbers if the contract was for a flat $88m.]]

If cut after 2026, hit cap hit appears to be $45.710m so just less than if we let him play in 2027.

Honestly? For the position the team is in, this a fine contract.

Wait, so there is a 26.4 million cap hit in 2028 regardless of whether he’s still in Indy?

[Kray007]

Wait, so there is a 26.4 million cap hit in 2028 regardless of whether he’s still in Indy?

Yes, and with a nod to Casablanca, I note that there is gambling going on here.

[Dam8610]

Noah Compton
@nerlens_
#Colts QB Daniel Jones contract details per
@ProFootballTalk
:

1. Signing bonus: $44M
2. 2026 base salary: $5.49M, fully guaranteed.
3. 2026 per-game roster bonus: $510,000 total ($30,000 per).
4. 2027 offseason roster bonus: $4M, $510,000 of which is fully guaranteed at signing.

So the 2026 cap hit is $28M if I'm doing my math correctly.

[Puck]

Ok. Cap money gurus

Can you explain void years ?

[DragonTails]

Ok. Cap money gurus

Can you explain void years ?

I just void in my pants. That's about the only thing I can explain.

I wanted Jones and AP retained and Pitman gone--maybe not at this cost, but I guess that what we're rolling with. Maybe some of the defensive pieces we signed last year will play better.

[YDFL Commish]

So Spotrac lists Jones 2026 cap hit at $14,680,000. Which is 20th among QB's in the NFL. Certainly a number the team can live with and not be hamstrung in free agency.

His 2027 cap hit at $46,800,000, which if he plays well in 2026 may look like a bargain in 2027.

[apballin]

He’s not worth it but it had to be done to retain Pierce so whatever

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Ok. Cap money gurus

Can you explain void years ?


It is a salary cap accounting gimmick to free up cap space now (costs are punted into future league years).

Void years are extra years added to the end of a contract to spread out the cap hit of a signing bonus.

The Eagles have built and maintained their roster by repeatedly using void years - they have deferred a ton of spending to future years.

[Hoopsdoc]

He’s not worth it but it had to be done to retain Pierce so whatever

I REALLY hope Pierce can live up to the expectations some people have of him. Dude has never had more than 47 catches in a season.

Pittman had 80,69,109,99, and 88 the last five years.

Those are big shoes to fill.

[apballin]

I REALLY hope Pierce can live up to the expectations some people have of him. Dude has never had more than 47 catches in a season.

Pittman had 80,69,109,99, and 88 the last five years.

Those are big shoes to fill.

Pierce is ascending and he’s ready for a larger role

I believe Warren will get a lot of the chain moving passes Pittman used to get but Pierce is primed for a huge season

[Hoopsdoc]

Pierce is ascending and he’s ready for a larger role

I believe Warren will get a lot of the chain moving passes Pittman used to get but Pierce is primed for a huge season

I really hope so. I’m just saying it’s not a slam dunk.

[ChaosTheory]

I really hope so. I’m just saying it’s not a slam dunk.

Speaking of slams...

When Pierce uses that 40" vertical jump, he needs to not land on his head as much. Those will be some expensive protocols.

[apballin]

Speaking of slams...

When Pierce uses that 40" vertical jump, he needs to not land on his head as much. Those will be some expensive protocols.

Be nice if the pass gets out in front of him and he doesn’t have to slow up and jump for it

[sherck]

Wait, so there is a 26.4 million cap hit in 2028 regardless of whether he’s still in Indy?
Well, yes, if DJ plays both years of his 2-year salary.

No if he only plays one year and then the Colts cut him. Then ALL of his pro-rated signing bonus will accellerate into 2027.

Ok. Cap money gurus

Can you explain void years ?
As AlwaysSunnyInIndy said, they are a cap tool that teams are using in order to extend the cap hit of signing bonus.

In this case, instead of chunking the $44m signing bonus into only two cap accounting buckets of $22m for 2026 and $22m for 2027, they instead added three "void" years and now split the pro-rated signing bonus into five buckets of $8.8m for 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.

If DJ only plays 1 year of his contract, then the rest of the pro-rated signing bonus ($35.2m) will then accellerate into 2027 as he is now off contract.

If DJ plays both years of his contract, then the rest of the pro-rated signing bonus ($26.4m) will accellerate into 2028 as he is now off contract.

If the Colts re-sign or extend DJ past 2027, then those void years chuncks of pro-rated signing bonuses will still hit in their appropriate year ALONG WITH new pro-rated signing bonus from the new contract.

It is a replacement for signing players to a 5-year contact with both sides KNOWING FULL WELL that it is really only a 2-year contact because it balloons so much that no NFL team will be willing to pay years 3-5.

The player's union sought it as a tool because they wanted to differenate between "real" big contracts (5-year, $250m for QBs) and fake $250m contracts that everyone knew would never get paid out just to move more cap hit from the signing bonus into the future.

And, yes, the Eagles have been using void years for a good decade now in order to keep pushing the cap hits forward into a future where the salary cap keeps growing. Some think that it is the new way to manage caps and if you are good enough at it, then the bills "never" become due.

While I think it a good tool to use here or there, adding void years to almost every veteran contact you sign, IMO, is not the best plan.

[Dam8610]

Ok. Cap money gurus

Can you explain void years ?

It's an extra year on the contract that spreads the signing bonus out longer. As a 2 year deal with a $44 million signing bonus, there would be a $22 million signing bonus cap hit. By adding 3 void years, the signing bonus is instead spread over 5 years (maximum amortization of a signing bonus), making the cap charge $8.8 million.

Yes, technically there is a $26.4 million dead cap charge in 2028, but realistically, this is a 1 year prove it deal. If he repeats 2025 without getting injured, the Colts will work out a long term extension next offseason. If he flames out, the Colts take a $35.2 million dead cap hit next offseason, which will still save them about $11 million against the cap. If 2026 goes similarly to 2025, the Colts effectively have a somewhat pricey team option to evaluate for 1 more year. This is basically the best of all worlds for the situation the team is facing. They will be able to have their answer on whether or not Jones is the guy before committing to him.

[Dam8610]

I REALLY hope Pierce can live up to the expectations some people have of him. Dude has never had more than 47 catches in a season.

Pittman had 80,69,109,99, and 88 the last five years.

Those are big shoes to fill.

The team is clearly planning to spend high draft capital on a WR since they haven't gotten one in free agency. Omar Cooper Jr., Skyler Bell, or Ted Hurst should be able to fill the WR3 role, and the Colts should be able to get one of them.

[Dam8610]

Well, yes, if DJ plays both years of his 2-year salary.

No if he only plays one year and then the Colts cut him. Then ALL of his pro-rated signing bonus will accellerate into 2027.


As AlwaysSunnyInIndy said, they are a cap tool that teams are using in order to extend the cap hit of signing bonus.

In this case, instead of chunking the $44m signing bonus into only two cap accounting buckets of $22m for 2026 and $22m for 2027, they instead added three "void" years and now split the pro-rated signing bonus into five buckets of $8.8m for 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.

If DJ only plays 1 year of his contract, then the rest of the pro-rated signing bonus ($35.2m) will then accellerate into 2027 as he is now off contract.

If DJ plays both years of his contract, then the rest of the pro-rated signing bonus ($26.4m) will accellerate into 2028 as he is now off contract.

If the Colts re-sign or extend DJ past 2027, then those void years chuncks of pro-rated signing bonuses will still hit in their appropriate year ALONG WITH new pro-rated signing bonus from the new contract.

It is a replacement for signing players to a 5-year contact with both sides KNOWING FULL WELL that it is really only a 2-year contact because it balloons so much that no NFL team will be willing to pay years 3-5.

The player's union sought it as a tool because they wanted to differenate between "real" big contracts (5-year, $250m for QBs) and fake $250m contracts that everyone knew would never get paid out just to move more cap hit from the signing bonus into the future.

And, yes, the Eagles have been using void years for a good decade now in order to keep pushing the cap hits forward into a future where the salary cap keeps growing. Some think that it is the new way to manage caps and if you are good enough at it, then the bills "never" become due.

While I think it a good tool to use here or there, adding void years to almost every veteran contact you sign, IMO, is not the best plan.

Mickey Loomis used it for a decade to completely flaunt the salary cap until the team got bad, then he just ate the charges. Howie Roseman has been structuring everything to come due in 2029, when the new TV deal is signed, which is expected to cause a massive cap jump. I think if managed correctly, void years are a tool that can effectively get around tge salary cap, provided the team owner is liquid enough to support the strategy.

[rm1369]

Mickey Loomis used it for a decade to completely flaunt the salary cap until the team got bad, then he just ate the charges. Howie Roseman has been structuring everything to come due in 2029, when the new TV deal is signed, which is expected to cause a massive cap jump. I think if managed correctly, void years are a tool that can effectively get around tge salary cap, provided the team owner is liquid enough to support the strategy.

Yeah it has been a major under utilized tool by Ballard. Like most things, going to the extreme can cause major issues. But using a nearly straight cap allocation and trying to compete against teams pushing money into the future will always put you at a disadvantage. The key is in managing it properly to coincide with your window or other major events. There has to be a plan.

[Oldcolt]

It's an extra year on the contract that spreads the signing bonus out longer. As a 2 year deal with a $44 million signing bonus, there would be a $22 million signing bonus cap hit. By adding 3 void years, the signing bonus is instead spread over 5 years (maximum amortization of a signing bonus), making the cap charge $8.8 million.

Yes, technically there is a $26.4 million dead cap charge in 2028, but realistically, this is a 1 year prove it deal. If he repeats 2025 without getting injured, the Colts will work out a long term extension next offseason. If he flames out, the Colts take a $35.2 million dead cap hit next offseason, which will still save them about $11 million against the cap. If 2026 goes similarly to 2025, the Colts effectively have a somewhat pricey team option to evaluate for 1 more year. This is basically the best of all worlds for the situation the team is facing. They will be able to have their answer on whether or not Jones is the guy before committing to him.


Very clear explanation and makes me feel much better about Jones. I hope the guy costs us a fortune next year on his extension.

[apballin]

The team is clearly planning to spend high draft capital on a WR since they haven't gotten one in free agency. Omar Cooper Jr., Skyler Bell, or Ted Hurst should be able to fill the WR3 role, and the Colts should be able to get one of them.

Omar Cooper would be great

[sherck]

I really have nothing against paying Jones....except that I don't think he has earned the right to it yet....

Yet being the operative word.

10 games of good to great QB play mixed in with 3 games of stinker play....that is his resume with the Colts.

He could be our next franchise QB and deserving of all the money....

Or he could be the Daniel Jones of the NY Giant years....

I am very, very, very, very (times many) glad that we have set it up that he has to play at least one more full year before we roll up the Brinks money truck and dump it on him.

Not that getting $44m put in your pocket as signing bonus is chump change.

But getting paid that much every year of a long-term contract? Yeah, that is a whole 'nother beast.

This is a good contract for the Colts. If he flames out, and sorry to say I think this is the direction he will go, then after the 2027 season CIG can clean house and start over.

If he succeeds? Then I eat a LOT of crow and the team is all for the better for it.

[Dam8610]

Omar Cooper would be great

Unfortunately, the days of getting him in Round 3 are long gone. I doubt he'll even be available at 47. Bell or Hurst could likely both be had in Round 3, though.

I really have nothing against paying Jones....except that I don't think he has earned the right to it yet....

Yet being the operative word.

10 games of good to great QB play mixed in with 3 games of stinker play....that is his resume with the Colts.

He could be our next franchise QB and deserving of all the money....

Or he could be the Daniel Jones of the NY Giant years....

I am very, very, very, very (times many) glad that we have set it up that he has to play at least one more full year before we roll up the Brinks money truck and dump it on him.

Not that getting $44m put in your pocket as signing bonus is chump change.

But getting paid that much every year of a long-term contract? Yeah, that is a whole 'nother beast.

This is a good contract for the Colts. If he flames out, and sorry to say I think this is the direction he will go, then after the 2027 season CIG can clean house and start over.

If he succeeds? Then I eat a LOT of crow and the team is all for the better for it.

This is why the contract structure is perfect for the situation. If it's clear one way or another, Year 2 of this contract can be torn up in favor of a 4-5 year extension, or he can be cut while saving money on the cap next year. If it's still somehow unclear, there's a built in team option to get a third year of data. I think if it can't be figured out after 3 years, it would be time for change, anyway.

[Colts And Orioles]

I really have nothing against paying Jones ....... except for the fact that I don't think that he has earned the right to it yet ......




o


I agree ...... I don't think that an excellent 10-game stretch merits the money that he is getting, either.

Unfortunately, due to all of the following surrounding circumstances, the Colts were between a rock and a hard place as to what to do with him.



[A)l The fact that Chris Ballard desperately needs to add his 2nd-ever playoff berth in his lengthy tenure as the team's GM.

[B)l The fact that the Colts' highest draft-pick in 2026 is #47 overall.

[C)l The fact that the Colts' highest draft-pick in 2027 is in the 2nd round.

[D)l The fact that Riley Leonard, although he has shown signs that he could very well be a very good quarterback someday, is still a raw, inexperienced wildcard that we don't know for sure how he'll pan out once put in the situation of being the starting QB of an NFL team.

[E)l The fact that Anthony Richardson has been average at-best so far in the NFL, and only because his incredible athletic skills and his competitive spirit which allowed him to put his shoulder down and take on defenders in crucial situations has somewhat compensated for his awful completion percentage.



Because of all of the above, the Colts had to do a lot of catering to a quarterback who didn't deserve to be in the financially demanding position that he was in.

o

[Racehorse]

Yeah it has been a major under utilized tool by Ballard. Like most things, going to the extreme can cause major issues. But using a nearly straight cap allocation and trying to compete against teams pushing money into the future will always put you at a disadvantage. The key is in managing it properly to coincide with your window or other major events. There has to be a plan.

I think he was waiting for the chance to push in all the chips. With how the team looked before his injury, this looks like the time to do it.

[rm1369]

I think he was waiting for the chance to push in all the chips. With how the team looked before his injury, this looks like the time to do it.

There is a lot of offseason left, but if he’s finally pushing in all of his chips he’s got some work to do.

[Oldcolt]

As a contrarian i don't think not having a first round draft choice has anything to do at all with us signing Jones. We have needed a QB for a decade, have had all our first round draft picks and have used exactly two (trade for Wentz and AR) on a QB and both failed spectacularly. We have been inept at evaluating and drafting at this position for a long time.

[Oldcolt]

There is a lot of offseason left, but if he’s finally pushing in all of his chips he’s got some work to do.

At this point we have lost more on defense than we have added and we still have no pass rush. Like m1369 said there is a ton of offseason left but there is a lot of work that needs to be done.

[Puck]

https://x.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/2044094982689018295?s=20


Pat McAfee
@PatMcAfeeShow
·
Apr 14
"Daniel Jones was at the Masters walking around"

I LOVE THAT JIM NANTZ #PMSLive

[Colts And Orioles]

"Daniel Jones was at the Masters, walking around.’





o


That's a little vague.

In other breaking news, Jonathan Taylor had a protein shake and a big glass of Gatorade yesterday afternoon.

o

[Puck]

https://x.com/HolderStephen/status/2046627459299209248?s=20

Stephen Holder
@HolderStephen
Colts HC Shane Steichen says QB Daniel Jones is back to throwing and is performing dropbacks as well, another step forward in his comeback from a torn Achilles.
12:29 PM · Apr 21, 2026
·
37.7K
Views

[Colts And Orioles]

o


2026 NFL Free Agency Grades: Dexter Lawrence II, Kirk Cousins

(By Seth Walder and Ben Solak)

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47911726/2026-nfl-free-agency-grades-signings-trades-latest-best-worst-deals-draft-outlook




The Colts Re-Sign QB Daniel Jones


Terms: ) 2 Years / $88 Million / $50 Million Fully Guaranteed


Grade: ) B



Jones' time in New York ended in a mess for the Giants because the team opted not to give him the franchise tag in the 2023 offseason, instead guaranteeing him $81 Million. And I was worried that the Colts might make the same mistake. They fared better, though.

Like 3 years ago, Jones is coming off of a season in which he played well. Like then, there are still questions about what his true ability is and now increased concerns about his injury risk.

The Colts opted to place a transition tag on Jones that would have paid him $37.8 Million if he wasn't signed by another team and played on it. The trickier part of the equation is that Jones is coming off an Achilles tear which could affect his availability ...... and/or his play ...... in 2026. So for the Colts to bring him back, it makes sense they would want to control his rights in 2027, too. That's true, even though ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that Jones is now expected to be ready for the start of the regular season.

But the Colts did much better than the Giants when it came to guarantees. We don't know the exact structure of the deal yet, but with $50 million fully guaranteed, the Colts seemed to turn a one-year, $38 Million transition tag contract into what can either be a one-year, $50 Million deal or a 2-year, $88 Million deal -- and the choice is theirs. Once they had decided to go the transition tag route (I'm not sure they had to), then that's a trade-off worth making. The grade above is a reflection of their decision to sign this deal given that they had already placed the tag on him.

Had Jones insisted on a higher level of guarantee, Indianapolis would have been advised to limit the downside and have him play on the transition tag. But this is a middle ground that works for all parties. Jones gets a little more money locked in, and the Colts will have a quarterback at a reasonable price for two seasons if he can recover from his Achilles injury and get back to his 2025 level of play.

That last part is no certainty.

Jones had a great season with the Colts. In 13 games he recorded a QBR of 63.0 (8th best) and a completion percentage over expected of plus-3% (6th best.) In a change from the past, he was also able to limit his sacks taken with a 5.2% sack rate (11th lowest.)

But he was also supported by a great running game. The Colts ranked first in EPA per designed rush and relied heavily on play-action (35% play-action rate, 2nd highest). And fumbling remained an issue for Jones, with a 1.7% fumble rate (2nd highest among quarterbacks) that is on par with his career average.

And we can't throw out Jones' past play, either. Over 16 starts in 2023 and 2024 with the Giants, Jones had a QBR of only 42.1. Part of the value Jones brings is with his legs, too, and it's fair to wonder how much that will be diminished after the Achilles injury.

But it's worth it for the Colts to want to see what they can get again out of Jones after how well he played for most of last season. I just wouldn't want to pay too much in guarantees to find out. And it looks like they didn't. ) (Seth Walder)

o

[Oldcolt]

This is a fair and reasonable article C&O. It is a huge risk but for a team with the 3rd longest steak of not having a playoff game (in the feaking AFC South no less) why not?

[Colts And Orioles]

o


Daniel Jones Intends to Start the Colts’ Opener ...... Anthony Richardson Not Surprised to Be in Indy

(By James Boyd)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7313723/2026/05/28/colts-daniel-jones-week-1-start-anthony-richardson-sr-trade-request/



INDIANAPOLIS — Most of the players had already left the field on Wednesday after the Indianapolis Colts’ second day of OTA's, but there were still a few stragglers, namely Daniel Jones. The team’s starting quarterback stood in the end zone of the Colts’ indoor practice facility before sprinting the full 100 yards to the other side. He did that a few times, flanked by Colts staffers, and for any other player on the team, it likely wouldn’t have been newsworthy.

But for Jones, his wind sprints marked a significant milestone. The last time the media and the public had a chance to watch him run on a football field was on December 7th, when he suffered a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon in Jacksonville. Now, just 171 days later, it was hard to tell he’s still rehabbing from one of the most devastating injuries in sports.

“I’m actually not surprised, just because of the way he works,” coach Shane Steichen said of Jones’ recovery. “When you rehab like he rehabs and put in the work like he does, it’s pretty impressive …... he’s relentless.”

Jones, who celebrated his 29th birthday Wednesday, took the first reps in most of the Colts’ positional drills. He dropped back and threw to wide receivers and tight ends, and even did a few roll-outs and play-action passes, but he did not participate in team drills. Steichen said the Colts will remain cautious with Jones’ rehab while leaving the door open for him to possibly join seven-on-seven drills next week.

Jones said he still has several boxes to check as he regains his full mobility, and he acknowledged he’s keenly aware of his Achilles when he’s on the field. He expects that subconscious reminder to disappear as he inches toward the Colts’ season opener.

When asked Wednesday whether he truly thinks he could be ready by then, Jones said “absolutely”, and doubled down. A return that quick would be roughly 9 months after Jones had surgery, making it one of the most aggressive Achilles rehabs in recent NFL memory.

“I understand the process,” Jones said. “You gotta hit all your marks, and I understand that. I have a lot of trust and faith in the doctors and the trainers we have here, our physical therapy staff. And I have a lot of trust in myself to do the work, and put myself in a position to play. That’s certainly been my goal all along.”

But before Jones reaches his ultimate goal, however, he’ll need to clear several more smaller ones, such as running wind sprints after practice, with the hope of one day soon running away from defenders again.

“I think that you take a lot of that stuff for granted when you’re healthy ...... and then you get hurt or something like that, and you’re not able to do that for a while, you miss being able to do a lot of it,” Jones said. “So I’m grateful to be back, and, like I said, very appreciative and grateful for our trainers, our physical therapy staff, and everybody here who’s helped me along the way. And obviously, there’s still a good ways to go.”


Anthony Richardson Addresses Trade Request


Anthony Richardson requested a trade in February, but Wednesday at OTA's was the first time that he addressed it publicly. The 24-year-old initially stayed away from the team before rejoining it after Indianapolis was unable to strike a deal.

“Is it awkward ???” Richardson said, repeating a question that he was asked. “Nah, I don’t think so. I signed a contract. I was still on this team regardless, before the trade stuff. So I have an obligation to this team to come out here and play, and perform, and be ready to play if they need me.”

Richardson would not disclose why he requested a trade, and repeatedly deferred to his agent, Deiric Jackson. Richardson, the 2023 No. 4 overall pick, has totaled 11 TD Passes and 13 INT's, plus 10 rushing TD's in the NFL. He started just 15 games in his first two seasons because of a myriad of injuries, and being benched in 2024. He lost the starting job to Jones last year.

Colts GM Chris Ballard said shortly after the draft that the team held trade talks about Richardson, but nothing materialized. Richardson added Wednesday that he wasn’t surprised to still be in Indianapolis.

“It’s a crazy league. A lot of crazy things happen,” Richardson said. “People get traded, some people don’t. I didn’t get traded, so that was that.”

Richardson has not rescinded his trade request, Steichen confirmed, but now that he’s back in the fold Steichen said that Richardson will compete with Riley Leonard to be the Colts’ back-up quarterback. Richardson entered last year as the Colts' QB-2, but he suffered an orbital fracture in October that left him with impaired vision in his right eye. When asked Wednesday whether he has regained his full vision, Richardson said “it’s good” and that he’s “adjusted pretty well.”

Richardson took the 1st-string reps during the team periods on Wednesday, but Steichen said that the plan is to alternate between Richardson and Leonard and evenly distribute their reps throughout OTA's. Leonard started last year’s season finale while Jones and Richardson were sidelined. The 2025 6th-round pick threw 2 TD's and 3 INT's as a rookie. He also had two rushing TD's.

“I love Riley, and I love competing,” Richardson said. “Riley is going to push me. I’m going to push Riley. And we're just going to push each other and try to be the best version of ourselves, and may the best man win.”

Richardson’s reps Wednesday were highlighted by two downfield, tight-window throws to tight end Drew Ogletree and wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in 7-on-7 drills. Both players made toe-tapping receptions near the sideline to pick up first downs, and Richardson was clearly pleased with those throws as he pumped his fist.

Steichen commended Richardson for his professionalism, but when pressed about giving a player who requested a trade the chance to be the Colts’ back-up, the coach explained his reasoning.

“Because there’s a potential that he could be here in 2026,” Steichen said. “You never know. We’ll see how this thing plays out ...… But if you’re going to be here, everyone here is going to compete.”


Notable Returns and Absences


Cornerback Justin Walley and safety Hunter Wohler, both of whom suffered season-ending injuries during their rookie seasons last year, participated in OTA's on Wednesday. Wohler is back from a Lisfranc injury that he suffered in the Colts’ 2nd pre-season game against the Green Bay Packers last season. Meanwhile, Walley said that he’s been cleared for 3 weeks after he tore his ACL in a joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens in August.

Walley was poised to be a starter last year until his season was cut short before it could truly begin. This year, he might be in line for an even bigger role now that veteran Kenny Moore II, who was released earlier this month, is no longer on the roster. Walley is the most likely candidate to replace Moore, a 2021 Pro Bowler, in the slot.

“I feel like my football knowledge is high enough where I can play inside and outside,” Walley said. “I have the ability to cover smaller guys and the bigger guys, so that IQ really helps me do both.”

Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce and right tackle Jalen Travis were present on Wednesday, but did not participate in OTA's. Pierce is still recovering from left ankle surgery, and Steichen said that Travis was sidelined because of a back injury.

Running back Jonathan Taylor and cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Sauce Gardner were among the notable absences from OTA's on Wednesday. Steichen said that all 3 were tending to their families, and that he wasn’t concerned with their non-attendance since practice is voluntary at this time of the year. Steichen expects the trio to rejoin the team for mandatory minicamp in June, if not sooner.


Colts Joint Practices


Steichen announced Wednesday that the Colts will travel to New England for one joint practice with the defending AFC champion Patriots before they face each other in their pre-season opener August 13th. The Colts will then host the Atlanta Falcons for 2 joint practices before they square off on August 22nd in Week 2 of the preseason. The Colts’ joint practices with 2 teams have become a staple during Steichen’s tenure as he enters his fourth year with the franchise.

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[Colts And Orioles]

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Daniel Jones Takes a Big Step in Achilles Return by Playing 7-On-7

(By Joel A. Erickson)

https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2026/06/01/colts-quarterback-daniel-jones-plays-7-on-7-otas-achilles-injury-recovery/90360243007/




* * * ))) Daniel Jones is returning from a torn Achilles tendon suffered 6 months ago during the 2025 season.

* * * ))) Shane Steichen has instructed Jones to avoid scrambling, and be smart in practice situations.

* * * ))) Jones is expected to be ready for full-team work by training camp and start the 2026 season opener.



INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts initially thought it might be a long-shot to get Daniel Jones into 7-on-7 work before the start of training camp.

There is no pass rush to avoid, obviously, but quarterbacks often roll out of the pocket in 7-on-7, “buying time” if the initial route or read is covered. Jones is still only 6 months removed from the torn Achilles tendon that effectively ended the Colts’ playoff hopes in 2025, and the temptation to roll out was always going to be there.

But then Jones started throwing to receivers at organized team activities, and he’s been seen running sprints and doing agility work with trainers after practices.

Head coach Shane Steichen decided that it was time to let Jones progress to the next step. When the Colts opened their 7-on-7 session at the team’s organized team activity on Monday, Jones was the quarterback leading the starters.

“He's been throwing routes with the guys, and we just told him, ‘Don't scramble in 7-on-7s. Be smart in these situations. If it's not there, throw it out of bounds, or if you want to drop it on the ground, I'm good with that too,’” Steichen said. “But yeah, he looked good out there today throwing with the guys.”

Jones didn’t have to dump the ball on the ground Monday.

For the most part, he has looked very good as a thrower in the OTA's open to the media, although it is clear that his drop-back is still a little bit stiff compared to his usual athleticism.

“I think that it's just making those strides, each and every week, and to get him out there in 7-on-7 was huge,” Steichen said. “To get him in the fold, running plays with the guys.”

A return to 11-on-11, full-team work is the final step, a step that Jones will not take before the Colts break for the summer. Steichen does not plan to ask his quarterback to play in a setting where a pass rusher or offensive linemen could fall on Jones.

“We always want to be smart,” Steichen said. “I mean, it's spring. We don't play for a while, so we’ve got to be smart with his injury, but he's making great progress.”

Jones made it clear last week that his expectation is to be the team’s starting quarterback when the Colts open the 2026 season at home against the Ravens.

“There’s definitely still work to be done and progress to be made,” Jones said last week. “I think that it’s just continuing to get stronger, continuing to run faster, cut harder and progress kind of according to the program, but it’s been good. I think that we’ve hit all of our marks so far, and we’ll continue to do that.”

By playing in 7-on-7, Jones is a little bit ahead of the marks that the Colts set for him initially ...... the next step is to return to the huddle for real football, a step that he won’t take until the Colts report to Grand Park in late July ...... but it is still remarkable that a return at the start of training camp now seems like a foregone conclusion.

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[Colts And Orioles]

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Daniel Jones’ Recovery Remains on Track

(By James Boyd)

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7349907/2026/06/11/colts-daniel-jones-anthony-richardson-deadline/



INDIANAPOLIS — A sheepish smile crept across Daniel Jones’ face. It was as if the Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. The question that made the veteran break from his usually stoic demeanor was fitting: “Did you ask to play in 11-on-11 ???”

“Yeah, I asked,” Jones responded Tuesday at Colts minicamp, shrugging his shoulders. “But I think, right now, just 7-on-7.”

Jones’ voice trailed off during his answer, as though he’d just been grounded by his parents. But Indy’s swift denial of his request to advance from seven-on-seven drills to full team sessions is understandable. Jones, 29, is just over six months removed from rupturing his right Achilles last December.

The fact that participating in 11-on-11 is even a choice at this point, however, speaks to Jones’ remarkable rehab progress since undergoing surgery. He’s already shown flashes of once again being the player who led the Colts to a surprise 8-2 start last year, ripping TD passes to Josh Downs and Ashton Dulin during mini-camp.

But there are also signs of uncleared hurdles. The most obvious one is how Jones reacts when a play is well-covered by the secondary, like a few were on Wednesday. Instead of scrambling out of the pocket like his fully healthy back-ups, Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson to find an open receiver or run for the first down, Jones has been told to surrender when the play breaks down.

“I think that there’s still work to be done,” Jones conceded. “I wouldn’t say that I’m all the way there at this point. So, yeah, I feel good about where I am, and kind of where the rehab is taking me to this point …... I’m in a good spot.”

Jones went into further detail about a few specific components of his rehab. He added that the Colts have tracked the “velocity and spin rate and distance” on his throws using GPS-chipped footballs to make sure that he’s reaching all of his checkpoints.

“It’s my back leg, my push leg,” Jones said, explaining the importance of his right Achilles. “There’s a strength component. There’s an ankle dorsiflexion component to loading into that front (foot), loading into that hip, loading into that side, but I have felt strong throwing for a while now, and I think that you can measure that with ball velocity and all that. So, I feel like I’ve kind of got to that point probably a month, 2 months ago.”

Colts coach Shane Steichen said that the plan is for Jones to resume 11-on-11 when training camp begins next month. He’ll get his first opportunity to face another team when the Colts head to New England for a joint practice with the Patriots on August 11th.

But even as Jones earns a longer leash during his rehab, Steichen said that the team will still implement guardrails for the player whom Colts star left guard Quenton Nelson referred to as “the hardest worker on the team.” Nelson has blocked for a slew of QBs during his tenure, and is thrilled to have Jones back in the fold for another season.

“He gets here early. He’s here late, and he’s doing things that matter to help him be at his best,” Nelson said. “You just really appreciate that in all facets of the game. He works endlessly to reach his whole potential, and that’s just a guy you can really appreciate, especially at that position. He sets the example for the whole team, because everyone’s looking at him.”


Backup QBs, Plus a Soft Deadline


Leonard and Richardson have continued to split the back-up reps during mini-camp, and Steichen said that that plan will continue into training camp. Neither passer has separated himself this spring, according to their coach.

“They’re both doing some really good things, and it’s back-and-forth right now,” Steichen said. “So, we’ll see where that goes.”

Leonard was intercepted in 7-on-7 Tuesday by rookie linebacker Bryce Boettcher, who returned Leonard’s errant throw for a TD. Richardson, however, hasn’t looked any better, as both QB's have had up-and-down showings.

It’s worth noting that Richardson, the 2023 No. 4 pick, has not rescinded his trade request, even though he rejoined the team for OTA's and mini-camp. He initially asked to be moved in February, but no deal has materialized. If there is a date, however, to keep an eye on, it would be the 3rd day of training camp, when Richardson is due a $4.2 Million roster bonus. If Richardson is still on the Colts’ roster and they pay him that bonus, another team could then trade for him and only have to pay him $1.1 Million in 2026, which is the final year of Richardson’s rookie deal. The Colts recently declined to pick up the 5th-year option on Richardson’s contract.


Looming Contract Decisions


The last time that Jonathan Taylor was entering the final year of his contract, the star running back’s negotiations included a months-long back-and-forth between him and his agent, Malki Kawa, and former Colts owner Jim Irsay. At one point, Taylor and Irsay even sent veiled shots at each other via social media during their stand-off before Irsay finally rewarded Taylor with a 3-year, $42 Million extension in 2023.

Taylor has since held up his end of the bargain, rushing for 3,016 yards and 29 TD's over the last 2 years, en-route to a pair of Pro Bowl nods. Now, he’d like another extension.

“I’d definitely love to be a Colt for life,” Taylor said on Wednesday. “I’ve already expressed that to the front office throughout the years ...… hopefully, they feel the same.”

Taylor registered 323 carries last year, the most of any player in the league ...... but to the 27-year-old’s credit, he’s hardly shown any signs of slowing down. Taylor notched five 100-yard rushing games in 2025 and is averaging 90.5 rushing YPG in his career, the 5th-highest in NFL history. The 4 players ranked higher than Taylor are all Hall-of-Famers (Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Terrell Davis and Eric Dickerson, respectively.)

Nelson, who has blocked for Taylor throughout Taylor’s entire NFL career, has put together a Hall-of-Fame resume of his own, with 8 straight Pro Bowl nods to start his career. The 30-year-old is also a 6-time All-Pro. Nelson has a strong argument for an extension, as well, though he said that he plans to let his agent, Evan Pobuta, handle any negotiations.

“Worrying about it or thinking about it isn’t going to help me accomplish any of my goals, so I leave that to them,” Nelson said ...... "I’m all ball.”

Josh Downs and star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who’s gradually rehabbing from neck surgery, are also entering the final years of their contracts. However, keep in mind that Colts GM Chris Ballard is entering the final year of his contract, too, and it stands to reason that principal owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon may be hesitant to sign-off on any extensions depending on how the season goes. Ballard may not be retained next year, and a new GM would then inherit those contracts.


Dulin’s Case to Start


Dulin has prided himself on being able to do a little bit of everything in the NFL. How else would an undrafted player from Division II Malone University, which no longer has a football program, survive in the NFL for nearly a decade ???

But beneath all of the titles Dulin has held, from All-Pro gunner to field-flipping kick-off returner to defensive back (yes, he really played one defensive snap last season against the Arizona Cardinals), is the desire to secure a real role at the position that he’s listed at on the roster: wide receiver.

The 29-year-old has made a handful of explosive plays in his career, highlighted by a 54-yard TD catch in 2024. But this season, with veteran wideout Michael Pittman Jr traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dulin has never had a bigger chance to start. The speedy Alec Pierce, who is currently sidelined due to ankle surgery, and shifty Josh Downs will slide into Indianapolis' top 2 spots, leaving Dulin to compete with veterans Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Laquon Treadwell, as well as rookie 7th-round pick Deion Burks, for the 3rd starting job. Dulin may have the upper-hand, considering the fact that he’s entering his 4th season in Steichen’s offense.

“For me, it’s attacking as if it’s my first year, knowing that, that spot is open, and that there are points to be proven and reps to be won,” Dulin said Tuesday. “That’s my mindset.”

Dulin has already put actions behind those words with a handful of TD catches during team drills, none more impressive than the one that he had in 7-on-7 drills on Wednesday. Jones lofted a pass to the end zone for Dulin while he was being blanketed by 2-time first-team All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. It didn’t matter that Gardner had nearly perfect position in coverage ...... Dulin, at the last second, leaped over Gardner and ripped the ball out of the air for a TD.

The offensive players erupted with excitement after the acrobatic catch, while Dulin simply ran back to the huddle for the next rep.

“Shoot, opportunities show up and rep totals and all that stuff can change every game and every year, but Ashton Dulin is a guy I’ve known to take advantage of his opportunities,” Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said. “And like I said, he’s been a real joy to coach. We’re having fun moving him around out there at practice and trying him out with some different stuff, and I think that he can be really good for us this year on offense.”

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