After months of anticipation, the Indianapolis Colts have finally landed on a long-term deal with quarterback Daniel Jones. News broke the morning of March 11th that the Colts have agreed to a two-year, $88 millon contract extension with the seven-year pro. The contract has over $60 million guaranteed and is worth up to $100 million overall, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Originally on the transition tag, Indiana Jones gets over $60 million guaranteed on a deal done by @AthletesFirst.
Following the news of the contract, Jones appeared on the Pat McAfee show to express his thoughts. “I wanted to be back, and I’m glad we got it figured out,” Jones said. “I always wanted to be here, and had faith that it would work out. So definitely appreciative, grateful, and fired up to be here. We’ve got a special thing going and working with this coaching staff, working with the guys in the locker room, fired up to get Alec (Pierce) back, and all that, so looking forward to it.”
A new deal was inevitable after the Colts traded two first-round picks midseason for Sauce Gardner. There was a bit of turbulence after Jones was hit with the transitional tag, which would have cost the Colts $37.8 million for 2026. It also allowed other teams to make offers to him. However, it was only a stepping stone for the team to get a true extension done while also addressing their other big-name free agent.
Indianapolis Colts Set to Run it Back With Alec Pierce As Well
GettyIn 2025, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce recorded 47 catches for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns while averaging a league-high 21.3 yards per catch.
Jones’ contract was the second biggest piece of news for Indy over the first three days of the NFL free agency period. As soon as the free agency began, the Colts immediately signed wide receiver Alec Pierce to a four-year, $116 million contract. Pierce implied a similar sentiment to Jones on the Pat McAfee show, saying, “I knew where my heart was. I love the city of Indianapolis…I think we can be special.”
Pierce is expected to become an even bigger part of the offense in 2026 following his career year. A subsequent move sent Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers and cemented Pierce as the team’s true number one receiver.
Pierce spoke on Kay Adams’ Up & Adams show last week and elaborated on what an expanded role could mean for him. When asked if he could be a primary target, Pierce responded, “Something I definitely believe I can do. I think it’s something I haven’t really had the chance to do. You can look at the numbers, the targets I’ve had the past few years…there’s not many receivers, very many receivers that have got 1,000 yards and under 100 targets, and you know I had 84.”
Pierce then made a bold claim saying, “What’s like a receiver one get targets wise? Like 130? 150? Something like that? You basically double my targets, i’m setting the record right there.”
It’s hard to picture what exactly Pierce could accomplish being a focal piece of the offense, but the Colts clearly felt that his upside is well worth it.
Daniel Jones Provides Optimistic Health Update
GettyIndianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones tore his right Achilles in Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ultimately, Pierce’s and the Colts overall success next season will come down to Daniel Jones’ health. Jones provided a little more insight into how he’s doing in his interview with McAfee.
“It’s all a process and going through it, my goal is to be back by Week one and be ready to go. That’s what we are working towards and should be able to accomplish,” Jones said.
Jones also told McAfee that he is working on checking the boxes. One of those was letting the fractured fibula he sustained on his left leg heal. Jones confirmed that his left leg is good to go, and now all his attention is on getting the right leg back to 100%. There is still a lot of time before the season officially commences, but the Colts appear to be on the right track to start the season on a good note.
Colts’ QB Daniel Jones Breaks Silence Following Massive Contract Extension