Daniel Jones, the Indianapolis Colts quarterback, has been out for the season after his Achilles’ injury, and might end up in a different uniform by the time he recovers. 

If the Colts don’t renew their one-year deal with Jones at an upwards of $40 million, the Minnesota Vikings are assumed to be his first choice. According to NFL insider Jonathan Jones, “Multiple sources have pointed to Minnesota as being a potential landing spot." After the New York Giants let him go in 2024 mid-season, Jones signed with the Vikings as Sam Darnold's backup, but never played.

"Unless the Colts are willing to issue the franchise tag, I don't see it as a slam dunk that Jones is back with Indy next year," Jones further revealed.

Jones had a good start this season against the Texans in Week 2 with his two touchdowns for 201 rushing yards, and Titans in Week 6. He recorded 272 passing yards and made three touchdowns. But his passing percentage (62.4 percent) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (6-to-5) turned downhill before his injury.

Yet, Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano of ESPN reported that Jones’ ask between $39 million and $46 million is “not totally off the table after asking around” since “they (the Colts) know him and know he can run their offense.” In 2025, Jones played with a broken fibula before the season-ending injury and made 19 touchdowns for 3,101 passing yards, 164 rushing yards, and 8 interceptions. 

The Colts appear to be suffering from bad luck in their quarterback department. With Jones’ Achilles tear, rookie Riley Leonard’s knee injury, and backup Anthony Richardson’s eye injury, the Colts had to sign former player Philip Rivers out of retirement.

With so many changes and challenges, the Colts and Jones find themselves unsure of what’s next. 

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das