Colts Rumors on Daniel Jones, Alec Pierce, Potential Franchise, Transition Tags Ahead Deadline

The Indianapolis Colts have decisions to make when it comes to two of their key offensive players from the 2025 campaign, and one could impact the other.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday "whether Indianapolis uses the franchise or transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones or wide receiver Alec Pierce was a front-of-mind topic at the combine," especially with Tuesday's tag deadline looming.

Pierce's franchise tag would be approximately $27 million, while Jones' would be $43.9 million (or $37.8 million for the transition tag).

"Pierce has a good relationship with Jones," Fowler explained. "If the team tags Pierce but doesn't reach a deal with Jones, for example, that could be an issue for Pierce. Conversely, tagging Jones ensures he will be there in 2026, a move that would appeal to Pierce."

Fowler also reported the Colts "made it clear" to the receiver he will remain with the team via the tag or a long-term deal, but Graziano reported "it sounds like" Jones would receive a transition tag if there is no deal in place by Tuesday's deadline.

That would allow Pierce to sign elsewhere in free agency, while other teams could still sign Jones to an offer sheet and not have to worry about giving up draft compensation should Indianapolis choose not to match it like they would with the franchise tag.

"I think the Colts push to get a long-term deal done with Jones to avoid those possibilities, but as of Saturday morning, it doesn't sound close," per Graziano.

The Athletic's James Boyd later reported on Monday that "team and league sources reiterated to The Athletic that Jones and Pierce are fond of Indianapolis and would like to return, but they're not officially a package deal."

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported it's "50-50" on if Jones and the Colts will reach a deal before the tag deadline:

Jones dealt with consistency issues with the New York Giants while never fully living up to expectations as the No. 6 overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft, but he was a revelation for the Colts in his first year with the team prior to his season-ending Achilles injury in December.

He went 8-5 as a starter and had the team in the playoff race while completing 68 percent of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also added 164 yards and five scores on the ground as a runner.

Yet the injury means there are still plenty of question marks surrounding him this offseason.

As for Pierce, he is coming off the best season of his career with 47 catches for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns. He is one of the best deep threats in the NFL and led the league in yards per reception (21.3) for the second consecutive season.

There was clear chemistry with Jones, and it seems like the Colts would like to bring them both back if possible even if Pierce could be one of the top potential wide receivers available this offseason.