The Indianapolis Colts reached an agreement with quarterback Daniel Jones, as the shot-caller signed a two-year extension worth $88 million. Jones was a star player in the team’s strong run last season until he got injured, and their playoff push came apart.
The front office is on a mission to reload and get back at it, but when will the quarterback be back?
Daniel Jones’ Health Could Be Key to Colts’ Playoff Push in 2026
Jones suffered a torn Achilles tendon in a Week 14 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars, ending his season and leaving the Colts out to dry in the hands of rookie backup Riley Leonard and 44-year-old Philip Rivers. The two backups went 0-4 down the stretch, seeing the team miss the playoffs.
The devastating end to Indy’s campaign underscored Jones’s value under center, leading to an $88 million extension. His health, on the other hand, is still a concern, as the shot-caller of seven years is still rehabbing his Achilles.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter, however, brought some good news on Wednesday. “Recovering from a torn Achilles, Colts QB Daniel Jones is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, and one source even said he expects him to be ready for training camp. ‘Absolutely,’ he said,” Schefter tweeted.
Recovering from a torn Achilles, Colts QB Daniel Jones is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, and one source even said he expects him to be ready for training camp. “Absolutely,” he said. pic.twitter.com/l7mAd8LOSP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2026
In 13 games last year, Jones put up 3,101 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Much like most of his career, he also contributed on the ground, recording 45 carries for 164 yards and five scores.
The franchise’s faithful will be most pleased by the latest news, as the front office has been hard at work this offseason, building around the quarterback. Wide receiver Alec Pierce made big headlines for his four-year, $114 million extension, coming off a campaign in which he recorded 1,003 receiving yards from just 47 receptions.
The Colts also bolstered their backfield depth by signing fifth-year running back Khalil Herbert to complement bell cow back Jonathan Taylor. The front office also locked in cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Cam Bynum to reinforce the defense, which ranked in the bottom third of the league last season.
Head coach Shane Steichen’s schemes proved highly effective last season, as the offense ranked eighth in scoring, averaging 27.4 points per game, despite missing Jones (86.7 PFSN QB Impact) for the last four games.
The quarterback could mark a turning point for a franchise that has been struggling to get back to the Peyton Manning glory days. Only time will tell.
