Daniel Jones arrived in Indianapolis via a one-year free agent pact. Winning out a training camp competition over Anthony Richardson allowed him to secure the starting gig and set the table for a remarkable opening to his Colts tenure. 
Jones has comfortably set career highs in several passing categories so far in 2025. His strong play has been a key factor in the Colts’ 6-1 start to the campaign. As the team looks to remain atop the AFC moving forward, Jones will continue boosting his market value if he manages to sustain his performances.
The former Giants first-rounder ended last season on the Vikings’ quarterback depth chart. Like Sam Darnold, Jones departed via free agency with Minnesota opting to hand the reins over to J.J. McCarthy. The Colts prioritized adding a veteran capable of winning the QB1 gig over Richardson, leading to a notable Jones investment. Indianapolis gave him a $14MM pact (with nearly all of that figure being guaranteed), a strong indication he would be counted on to lead the team’s offense for at least one season. Richardson’s future meanwhile, remains far from certain.
Jones’ success in the QB1 role – coupled with the play of the other foundational pieces in place heading into the campaign – has Indianapolis on track to return to the playoffs in 2025. Among other things, an effective first season with the Duke product at the helm would greatly increase his asking price on a new deal. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, no talks have taken place to date about a Colts extension (subscription required).
Plenty will of course depend on Jones’ ability to maintain his early success with respect to his market value for 2026. The 28-year-old was released by New York not long after signing a four-year, $160MM just ahead of the franchise tag deadline in 2023. Given the disastrous nature of that agreement, the Colts or any other suitors could be rather hesitant to make a long-term investment next spring.
On the other hand, Indianapolis has been unable to find a true Andrew Luck successor since his surprise retirement. The team cycled through eight different Week 1 starters under center over a nine-season span, and ending that run of instability would be highly valuable. Taking Jones’ age into account, the former No. 6 pick could profile as a candidate for a multi-year pact if the Colts become satisfied his play can be repeated.
As things stand, Jones is on course to find himself the top free agent at the quarterback spot (by a wide margin) in 2026. An extension with the Colts – or a re-signing in the event he were to test the market in March – would prevent a departure, but no early signs have emerged indicating he will be more than a one-and-done passer in Indianapolis.