Will Daniel Jones Return to Colts? NFL Insiders Dish On QB's FA Market After Injury

The Indianapolis Colts haven't closed the door on a reunion with quarterback Daniel Jones this offseason despite his torn Achilles, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler.

"My sense is Indianapolis will want to see how Jones is progressing in his rehab before deciding," Fowler reported Wednesday. "That will help inform the team on how to proceed. If the Colts believe Jones will be a productive starter for them over the next three to four seasons, then perhaps paying him a respectable market deal now will be a discount in two years, instead of haggling over the level of discount required because of the injury."

Graziano added that he has "heard a few theories in the couple of days since Jones injured his Achilles," which includes a return to a different team from his past.

The 28-year-old could sign with the Minnesota Vikings and "rehab there with a staff that knows him and wanted to retain him but couldn't guarantee him the starting job this past offseason."

The Colts have a straightforward way of retaining Jones for one season via the franchise or transition tag. Fowler reported it's "not totally off the table after asking around." That would be costly in the short term — upwards of $46 million — but buys the team more time to see where the signal-caller is post-Achilles tear.

▶️ Full Broncos-Colts Recap

06:00

Because of the injury, it's tough to picture Jones getting the kind of contract that was coming his way amid a career year. The state of the quarterback market will work in his favor, though.

Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Marcus Mariota and Kenny Pickett are among the notable players heading for free agency. In terms of trade candidates, the Arizona Cardinals' Kyler Murray stands out.

With a dearth of good options, applying the franchise tag could be a sensible path for Indianapolis. An incentive-laden deal over multiple years would also pay off in a big way if Jones can rebound in 2026 and play like he did this season.