The Indianapolis Colts don’t lack questions entering the 2026 offseason.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, one decision sits clearly above the rest — and it hinges almost entirely on Daniel Jones’ health.
The Colts are expected to closely “monitor” Jones’ recovery from a torn Achilles before free agency, a process that could ultimately determine whether Indianapolis attempts to bring him back via a new deal or the franchise tag.
“He has proved to be the Colts’ steadiest quarterback option since Andrew Luck,” Fowler wrote. “The Colts will monitor his Achilles tear recovery before free agency, and assuming all goes well, Indy should attempt to keep Jones, via a franchise tag or new deal.”
It’s a familiar crossroads for a franchise that has spent the better part of six years searching for stability under center. What’s different this time is that Jones, before his injury, delivered something the Colts haven’t consistently had before the 2025-26 season — a valid QB1.
Why Jones Matters More In Free Agency
Jones’ campaign will be remembered for how steady the Colts looked while he was healthy.
Indianapolis opened the season 8–2 and sat atop the AFC standings deep into the fall. The offense operated with rhythm. Mistakes were limited. Shane Steichen’s system looked sustainable — not explosive, but controlled.
That all changed in Week 14, when Jones suffered a torn Achilles. The Colts spiraled immediately, losing their final seven games and becoming the first team in the Super Bowl era to be six games over .500 and finish with a losing record.
The collapse only amplified Jones’ value inside the building.
A Decision That Will Shape Colts’ Offseason
Letting Jones hit the open market would reopen a problem the Colts still haven’t solved.
Anthony Richardson remains an elite physical talent, but injuries have defined his young career. Riley Leonard had a promising season debut as a starter in Week 18 against the Houston Texans. Indianapolis also doesn’t own a first-round pick in the upcoming draft, limiting its ability to pivot cleanly to a rookie quarterback solution.
Free agency offers options, but few come without their own red flags — and none come with the familiarity Jones already has in Steichen’s offense.
Jones’ early-season performance showed he could operate the system, protect the football, and keep Indianapolis competitive against top AFC teams. For a roster that believes it was closer to contention than its final record indicates.
Colts Predicted To ‘Monitor’ Daniel Jones’ Injury Progress Before Free Agency
