The Indianapolis Colts have been the speak of the NFL throughout the first half of the season not solely due to their immense crew success but in addition for his or her skill to show quarterback Daniel Jones into the most effective model of himself. Jones’ 13-game pattern with the Colts earlier than he suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear seems to have been strong sufficient for the group to decide to him for no less than one other 12 months, as basic supervisor Chris Ballard sung his praises and expressed curiosity in re-signing the previous first-round decide.
Ballard detailed his ambition to work on a brand new contract with Jones, who’s an unrestricted free agent. The previous New York Giants starter signed with Indianapolis final offseason on a one-year, $14 million deal, and his breakout season may spark curiosity from different groups outdoors of the Colts. However he might not have any intentions of leaving Indianapolis.
“I believe it is mutual on either side,” Ballard stated of his curiosity in Jones. “I believe Daniel was a very good match for this group, and I believe this group and metropolis have been a very good match for Daniel.”
If there’s one apparent cause why different franchises might pump the brakes on courting Jones, it might be the Achilles harm. There isn’t a assure that Jones returns to his career-best type after sustaining an harm that so typically proves devastating for elite athletes. Ballard admitted that the harm “in fact” will issue into Jones’ free company and contract negotiation course of.
“We’ll work via that together with his agent,” Ballard stated. “He is bought a very good agent. We’ll discover a technique to work via that.”
Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard will stay underneath contract in 2026, however neither has the successful monitor report in Indianapolis that Jones abruptly possesses. And whereas the Colts may at all times search for assist outdoors of the group, typically the recognized commodity is greater than only a secure choice; it will also be essentially the most fruitful. Jones, in spite of everything, gained eight of his first 10 begins with the Colts and went 8-3 earlier than struggling the harm in Week 13.
“While you’re chasing the quarterback on a regular basis, it makes it very exhausting,” Ballard stated. “Your margin for error actually shrinks down. I really feel excellent about Daniel Jones and the place he is at, the place he is going. Sure, he is bought the Achilles, however I believe Daniel Jones has bought a very vivid future right here in Indianapolis. There may be some consolation in figuring out that we have a man that is confirmed, that is carried out it and carried out some actually good issues.”
Jones personal-best marks in completion charge (68.0%) and passing yards per sport (238.5) this season and led the league with a 52% passing success charge. He was on tempo to shatter his profession highs in passing yards and touchdowns earlier than his marketing campaign got here to a untimely finish.
