Colts’ Daniel Jones Given Concerning 2026 Projection

Indianapolis Colts fans are hoping their team doesn’t regret giving quarterback Daniel Jones a massive contract extension just like the New York Giants did.

New York signed the now-29-year-old QB to a four-year, $160 million deal back in 2023, but let him go just two years into the contract after he failed to live up to the money he was being paid.

However, Jones played better last year in his first season with the Colts than any year he’s had in the NFL (he threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions with a career-best 100.2 passer rating), and he parlayed that into a two-year, $88 million extension with $60 million guaranteed.

Some don’t believe Jones is the answer in Indianapolis, and Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report seems to be in that camp. In fact, Knox recently named Jones as one of the eight most likely QBs to be benched next season.

“If [Jones] and the Colts struggle, however, there’s a real chance that (GM Chris) Ballard and (head coach Shane) Steichen will both be on the hot seat,” Knox wrote. “… Jones, who was recently cleared for 7-on-7 work, will need to replicate his 2025 success.

“If he can’t, the Colts may try to salvage the season with Richardson — if he’s still on the roster — or Riley Leonard, while keeping an eye on that 2027 QB class. Unfortunately, playing well on a year-to-year basis wasn’t something Jones did during his six seasons with the New York Giants.”

Despite how well Jones played last year, there’s a solid chance he might not regain his 2025 form after recovering from a ruptured Achilles.

Not to mention Jones’ supporting cast looks a little different than it did a year ago.

Second-leading receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers after Alec Pierce signed his massive $114 million contract, and starting right tackle Braden Smith signed with the division rival Houston Texans.

There’s also the added pressure of Richardson still being on the roster. The former No. 4 overall pick hasn’t panned out yet in his career, but if Jones strings together a few bad performances, the calls for Richardson will certainly grow.

After all, it’s been said the most popular player on a roster is the backup quarterback.

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