Daniel Jones and the Colts Still Have a Super Bowl Window
Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) warms up before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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The Indianapolis Colts entered the season with high hopes after re-signing quarterback Daniel Jones, but things have gone about as badly as possible. The Colts have lost four straight games to fall to 2-6, and Jones was benched during last week’s blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Now, with Tuesday’s trade deadline approaching, the Colts are reportedly willing to move on from their starting quarterback. Multiple teams have called Indianapolis about a potential deal for Jones, and the Colts are said to be listening to offers as they look to add draft picks and reduce their financial risk.
Daniel Jones’ Struggles
Jones was one of the NFL’s best stories in his first season in Indianapolis, helping the Colts to a strong start before a torn Achilles ended his year after 13 games. The Colts brought him back in March on a two-year, $88 million contract that included a $44 million signing bonus.
His second season with the team hasn’t gone nearly as well. Jones has completed just 60.4 percent of his passes for 1,542 yards with five touchdowns and nine interceptions through eight games, already the most interceptions he has thrown in a season since 2020.
Things hit a low point on Sunday in a 42-7 loss to Jacksonville, as Jones completed 19 of 28 passes for 144 yards with two interceptions, including a pick-six. He was eventually benched for Anthony Richardson Sr. late in the game with the Colts trailing by 35.
Despite the struggles, head coach Shane Steichen announced that Jones would remain the starter for Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. “I do feel that Daniel gives us the best chance to win right now,” Steichen said.
Colts Taking Calls
On Saturday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport reported that the Colts have engaged in trade talks involving Jones, just as they have with star running back Jonathan Taylor. According to the report, multiple teams have called to inquire about Jones, and Indianapolis “has been willing to listen to any offers.”
The Baltimore Ravens were reportedly among the teams to check in before they traded for Jacoby Brissett after losing Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley to injuries. The Minnesota Vikings, who have history with Jones, have also been the subject of speculation as a possible landing spot.
The report notes that the Colts are not interested in moving players unless they believe the offers are fair. But Indianapolis is expected to take calls on Jones through Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline, as the team is “interested in acquiring as much draft capital as possible in addition to reducing financial risks.”
Those financial risks are significant. Jones has a $10.51 million injury guarantee for the 2027 season that becomes fully guaranteed on March 15 if he’s still on the roster. If the Colts fall out of playoff contention, they might not want to risk that guarantee by keeping him on the field, which means a benching “could come into play,” according to the report.
Schefter and Rapoport also noted that Steichen’s use of the phrase “right now” in his vote of confidence “opened the door to what happens in the future,” and other teams have taken notice.
Needless to say, Sunday’s game against the Cowboys could be Jones’ last start in Indianapolis.
Taylor Swift at the New York Knicks Game 4.
Taylor Swift at the New York Knicks Game 4.