Daniel Jones
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The Colts are working on a long-term deal with Daniel Jones.
The NFL Combine is making its annual return to Indianapolis this week, which reportedly means there’s a good shot for the Indianapolis Colts to lock in their quarterback.
Still, NFL Media insider Tom Pelissero reported the Colts could end up using either the franchise tag or transition tag on Jones if they are unable to come to an agreement on a long-term contract over the next week.
Jones of course was the Colts’ starting quarterback for their first 13 games, going 8-5 in that span. He unseated incumbent Anthony Richardson as Indianapolis quarterback and had it bound for the playoffs before Jones tore his Achilles tendon in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jones is slated to become a free agent when the NFL calendar rolls March 11.
The Colts Are Negotiating With Daniel Jones on a Long-Term Contract
Jones finally played like the franchise quarterback the New York Giants selected him to be with the No. 6 overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. He completed 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards and threw 19 touchdowns with just eight interceptions while adding 164 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground in his lone season in Indy.
So the good news for fans is negotiations are already underway between the Colts and Jones on a potential long-term contract, according to Pelissero.
“Jones wants to stay here in Indianapolis,” Pelissero reported on NFL Network on Monday. “The Colts want to keep Jones, who was playing his best football prior to injuries last year, including the Achilles [tendon] tear that he’s rehabbing from.
“The question is what really is that number that makes sense on a multi-year deal.”
Yet, according to Pelissero, the sides are working against a March 3 deadline, and not necessarily the March 11 deadline when free agency opens.
“If the sides cannot come to an agreement on that, a tag is an option, whether that’s the franchise tag or the transition tag,” Pelissero reported. “The deadline for applying [either tag] is March 3, which is two days after the combine ends, so those conversations this week are going to be pivotal.”
The Colts Also Are Discussing a Long-Term Contract With Alex Pierce
Like most decisions, there will be a domino effect depending on how the Colts’ negotiations with Jones go. If Indianapolis can agree to a contract with Jones, it could then apply either the franchise or transition tag to potential free agent wide receiver Alec Pierce.
Pelissero said Jones “loves” having Pierce as one of his weapons, and the duo produced huge numbers until Jones tore his Achilles tendon. Pierce set a new single-season career high for receptions (47) and receiving yards (1,003) and led the NFL in yards per reception (21.3) for the second straight year.
Pierce had 38 catches for 769 yards with Jones at quarterback and likely would have had an even bigger season if the QB had remained healthy. With that in mind, the Colts have also engaged with Pierce on a long-term deal and could opt to keep Jones and his big-play threat together, according to Pelissero.
“If Jones ends up getting a deal, then a tag could be an option for Pierce, who they’d also like to sign for the long term,” Pelissero said.