Daniel Jones' struggles put his Colts future in doubt after Ballard's ouster

INDIANAPOLIS — Everything has changed for Daniel Jones in the first six weeks of 2026.

The Colts went all-in on Jones last offseason, making him a priority signing with a two-year, $88 million deal that signaled Indianapolis believed he could be the team’s quarterback of the future.

But Jones has not been able to live up to that promise, and the team’s ugly 2-4 start led to the firing of general manager Chris Ballard on Monday, opening up the possibility that Jones’ days in Indianapolis are numbered.

Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen has been asked repeatedly about his belief in Jones as the team’s starting quarterback. If a new general manager wanted to get out of Jones’ contract next season, it would only cost $35.2 million in dead money, saving Indianapolis $11.6 million in cap space for a roster that would likely be in a deep rebuild.

“The biggest thing for me is playing good football, like it is with all of us in this locker room,” Jones said. “I don’t think it’s a time to think about that, think too far ahead. I don’t think we can afford to do that. I think we’ve got to play good football this week.”

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Jones has not played good football this season.

It comes fresh off a 2025 campaign when he shocked the NFL by completing 68% of his passes, averaging 8.1 yards per attempt and posting a 100.2 rating.

Uncertain in the pocket and limited by a receiving corps that has little explosiveness with Alec Pierce injured, Jones is completing 59.6% of his throws, averaging 5.9 yards per attempt and posting an abysmal 71.1 quarterback rating.

While Jones is not the only reason the Colts got off to a 2-4 start, which convinced owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon to fire Ballard, his play is one of the biggest reasons.

Ballard repeatedly said last offseason that getting Jones back was one of the keys to winning in 2026, even though Jones was recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon.

“Your play, and the results of these games, affects people,” Jones said. “You feel that as players. I feel that as a quarterback. You’ve got to play well, we’ve got to win. I’ve got to put the team in position to win games.”

Irsay-Gordon made it clear in the statement she released announcing the decision to fire Ballard that she still expects to win games this season. If the Colts do not win, there will likely be more changes.

“I think you understand how important it is to play well and to win,” Jones said. “We know that. I don’t think that’s changing. … It definitely makes you feel something. There’s a reaction here in the locker room, within the building. You understand what’s at stake.”

Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Coltsall season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.