In 2025, quarterback Daniel Jones had a true renaissance season with the Indianapolis Colts. It was arguably the best football of his career. Unfortunately, it was the injury bug that derailed his season down the home stretch.
Jones signed a one-year “prove-it” deal last season. He also beat out Anthony Richardson Sr. for starting duties. The end result turned the Colts into an offensive powerhouse for most of the season. Jones went 8-5 as a starter, completing 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards and 19 touchdowns. His passer rating was a career-high 100.2.
Unfortunately, due to an Achilles rupture, questions circulated about whether Jones would be the same in 2026. Why did the Colts bet the future on a rehabbed player?
After deciding to stick with Jones, the Colts gave him a record-setting extension. It was for two years and was worth $88 million. While many journalists and analysts debate whether this was the right move, it made sense to their generation manager.
Why the Colts Bet the Future on a Rehabbed Daniel Jones
The Shane Steichen Effect
Ironically, general manager Shane Steichen has a history of getting the absolute best out of their quarterbacks. He has worked with Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. In 2025, he seemingly unlocked Daniel Jones.
In 2025, surprisingly, Jones was historically accurate. His 68% completion percentage was the second-highest in Colts franchise history, trailing Peyton Manning’s MVP season in 2009. He mastered the quick strike, play-action offense. Before his injuries, the Colts led the NFL in points per possession, scoring on 57,6% of their drives.
The 0-7 Collapse
With Jones, the Colts began the season 8-2, which was the best in the AFC at the time. Without him, they were worse. After his Achilles injury, the team plummeted and finished 8-9. The front office viewed the seven straight losses as proof they could not afford to let Jones walk. The roster was in a ‘win now’ state, and neither Riley Leonard nor Anthony Richardson could lead the offense.
Team Chemistry and Locker Room Presence
A major factor in betting for Daniel Jones was to keep the locker room happy. One of these players was wide receiver Alec Pierce. The Colts wideout signed a massive four-year, $114 million deal. He has reportedly made it clear that he wanted to continue playing with Jones.
To make the money work, the Colts traded away the inconsistent Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pierce proved to be a favorite option for Jones in the passing game.
The Big Money Risk of Daniel Jones
While $88 million sounds like a lot, the two-year structure is actually a bridge. It pays him like a top ten passer, but it does not tether the team to him for five or six years. If the Achilles injury had permanently sapped him of his mobility, Indianapolis could move on relatively quickly compared to a standard long-term deal.