The Indianapolis Colts have a choice to make on Daniel Jones, and the transition tag appears to be in play. Using it would show they want to keep him around, but it doesn’t lock anything down.
Jones put together a solid run before getting hurt last season, throwing for 3,101 yards with 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions across 13 games while posting a 100.2 passer rating.
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That kind of production came at the perfect time for his NFL career. If the Colts slap the transition tag on him, Jones can talk with other teams, and Indianapolis gets nothing if he signs elsewhere.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones stands on the field prior to a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
The franchise tag runs about $6 million higher and comes with a very different result. If Jones leaves under that tag, the Colts would receive the equivalent of two first-round picks in return.
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ESPN analyst Peter Schrager recently brought up the Minnesota Vikings as a team that might make a run at Jones after watching what he did in 2025.
“He’s coming back, and the hope is that he’ll be back ready for the start of the season. There’s also another team that’s lingering there; the transition tag means someone else can make an offer, the Colts just would have the last opportunity to match that offer,” Schrager said.
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“The team I would watch as a possible long shot, but also one that could be angling here, the Minnesota Vikings. Remember, Daniel Jones spent half the season with the Minnesota Vikings a year ago…. I think the Vikings were surprised the Colts gave Daniel Jones the money that he got last off season. Keep an eye on the Vikings, if the transition tag is applied.”
Daniel Jones to the Minnesota Vikings?
—@PSchrags weighs in on the team "lingering" to sign Daniel Jones 🍿 pic.twitter.com/2wiZ0y41tR
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 3, 2026
Minnesota does not have a lot of cap space sitting around, so any move would require some creative work. Still, things could shift in a hurry. If Indianapolis decides against tagging Jones before Tuesday’s deadline, the Vikings might start picking up the phone.
Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones
Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
It would not be shocking. Jones already spent part of the 2024 season with Minnesota after the New York Giants cut him loose, and that familiarity counts for something.
The Vikings are hunting for a reliable veteran after struggling with former No. 10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy. There’s also genuine respect between Jones and head coach Kevin O’Connell, which only adds more weight to the talk.
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