NFL Insider Says Colts 'Appear All-In' on Daniel Jones Return in FA, Projects Contract

Veteran quarterback Daniel Jones is enjoying a resurgent year with the Indianapolis Colts, and the team reportedly is ready to do what it takes to avoid losing him to free agency during the offseason.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler explained that Jones will be one of the top players on the free-agent market, so the Colts are expected to reward him with a major payday.

"Jones has a chance to become the biggest earner in the free agency class," Fowler stated. "The Colts appear all-in on keeping Jones long term, and they have comps for former top-10 picks who thrived when quarterbacking a new team -- Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who each earned three-year deals worth around $100 million. Jones would totally be justified asking for that … with interest."

After signing with the Colts on a one-year, $14 million contract this offseason, Jones won the starting quarterback job over 2023 No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson and quickly turned heads with his stellar play this season. He's led Indianapolis to an 8-2 record while completing a career-high 69.9 percent of his passes for 2,659 yards, 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He's also added five rushing scores, his most since 2022 when he was still with the New York Giants.

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The Colts are hoping to maximize their window of title contention while Jones is under center, as evidenced by their blockbuster deal to acquire star cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets at last week's trade deadline. After missing the playoffs for the last four years, Indianapolis has a strong chance of representing the AFC in the Super Bowl.

A deep playoff run would further boost Jones' value, so he surely will be motivated to continue helping lead the Colts to success.

The 28-year-old will have the chance to prove his worth once again when Indianapolis returns from its bye week to face the three-time defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 23.