Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts
Getty
Daniel Jones #17 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the NFL 2025 game between Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana."" (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Indianapolis Colts entered the 2026 NFL offseason with the goal of re-signing quarterback Daniel Jones. Following an impressive start to the 2025 season, it became apparent that Chris Ballard and company would try to keep him around long-term.
Jones played in 13 games for the Colts last season. He completed 68 percent of his pass attempts for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions, while also running for 164 yards and five more touchdowns.
Unfortunately, Jones finished the season on the sideline. During a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half of the year, Jones went down with a torn Achilles.
While Jones is expected to return to the field healthy in 2026, Indianapolis must have a better backup quarterback. The Colts had to turn to luring Philip Rivers out of retirement to try and compete at the end of last season.
Keeping that in mind, Indianapolis has been suggested as a potential suitor for a surprising backup quarterback option.
Indianapolis Colts Predicted to Land Russell Wilson in Free Agency
CBS Sports analyst John Breech has predicted the Colts as the suitor for Russell Wilson. After a disappointing season with the New York Giants that saw Wilson lose the starting job to Jaxson Dart early on, Wilson seems destined for a backup job again in 2026.
“The Colts are in a similar situation with Daniel Jones, who tore his Achilles in December,” Breech wrote. “Although the team is hoping that he’ll be ready for Week 1, that might not happen, so Indy needs to have a contingency plan and Wilson would be a solid option.”
At the very least, Wilson would be ready to play if his number is called. Indianapolis would hope that he wouldn’t see the field next season, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Wilson has a long track record of winning football games. He is no longer the player he once was, but he’s still capable of making a spot start or two throughout a season.
Russell Wilson Would Be Exactly the Insurance the Colts Need
Last season with the Giants, Wilson played in just six games. He completed 58 percent of his passes for 831 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. Back in 2024 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he threw for 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 11 games.
At 37 years old, Wilson is entering the final stage of his NFL career. That being said, he still has some good football left in the tank.
Having a veteran quarterback behind Jones is exactly what the Colts need. No fan in Indianapolis would be pleased to see another Rivers style of situation arise.
Bringing in Wilson would guarantee the Colts a much better option than dipping into free agency to convince a retired quarterback to return. Depending on the price tag, the move would make complete sense for both parties.