The quarterback situation for the Indianapolis Colts is in flux before the start of the league’s new year on March 11.
Earlier this week, multiple reports surfaced that the Colts are mutually allowing the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft, Anthony Richardson, to seek a trade this offseason.
Last season, the Colts turned to Daniel Jones. The 2019 first-round pick by the New York Giants signed with Indianapolis on a one-year deal worth $14 million.
In 13 games played, Jones threw for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His season was cut short by a torn Achilles tendon on Dec. 7 in a 36-19 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Colts were expected to give Jones a contract extension before free agency, but the front office is running into issues.
Per Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports, Jones and the Colts are “not close” to agreeing on a number for the new contract. Indianapolis could be forced to apply the transition or franchise tag on Jones so they can sign wide receiver Alec Pierce to a contract extension.
“I'm told the representatives for Daniel Jones and the Colts are not close to coming to terms on a new contract,” Pauline wrote.
“Evidently, Jones wants more money than the Colts expected. This means the franchise may have to go to a contingency plan and put either the transition or franchise tag on Jones, then try to sign Pierce to an extension before free agency opens.”
The Colts were expecting to try and apply the franchise tag to Pierce. Pierce has been a popular name for league teams who need a wide receiver in free agency.
With Jones, the Colts started the season 8-2 and appeared on their way to making the playoffs after trading for cornerback Sauce Gardner. But Indianapolis lost in the final three games Jones started.
Indianapolis finished the season with an 8-9 record, missing the playoffs and finishing third in the AFC South.
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