Looking ahead to the upcoming NFL offseason, what is next for the Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Daniel Jones?
At one point, a long-term deal seemed like a forgone conclusion. But with Jones now sidelined with an Achilles injury, those plans could potentially change.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler discussed this topic in their latest Week 15 NFL buzz article.
One option, brought up by Graziano, was that the Colts could sign Jones to a one or two-year deal with incentives. This would allow Jones to rehab with the team all offseason and “hit the ground running” when he’s cleared to return.
Graziano also brought up the Minnesota Vikings as a landing spot, but regardless of where Jones ends up, he doesn’t see a long-term deal being in play at this time.
“Either way, the idea of a lucrative, long-term contract extension in Indianapolis (or somewhere else) probably slides to the back burner in light of Jones’ most recent season-ending injury,” Graziano wrote.
Fowler says that if there are multiple teams interested in Jones this offseason that could drive up his price.
Fowler also mentions that perhaps the franchise tag or transition tag could be in play as well. Those contract figures are between $39 million and $46 million for one season.
“My sense is Indianapolis will want to see how Jones is progressing in his rehab before deciding,” Fowler wrote. “That will help inform the team on how to proceed.
“If the Colts believe Jones will be a productive starter for them over the next three to four seasons, then perhaps paying him a respectable market deal now will be a discount in two years, instead of haggling over the level of discount required because of the injury.”
An added wrinkle to all of this, as Graziano noted, was the potential uncertainty for the Colts’ coaching staff and front office if the team misses the playoffs once again.
A once-promising season for the Colts is now filled with more questions than answers, many of which will extend into the offseason.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: What options do Colts have with Daniel Jones this offseason?
