If the Indianapolis Colts are going to re-sign quarterback Daniel Jones in free agency, what will that contract look like?
Pro Football Focus recently predicted who they believe will be the highest-paid free agent from each position group. At quarterback, that was Jones.
The projection from PFF’s Mason Cameron has Jones landing a four-year deal worth $174.39 million.
That is good for an average annual value of $43.59 million. In 2026, that would make Jones the 16th highest-paid quarterback in the NFL.
“While a season-ending Achilles injury will likely influence his potential earnings, there is precedent for passers signing lucrative contracts despite suffering the same injury,” wrote Cameron.
“During the 2024 offseason, Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract ($100 million guaranteed), just over four months after suffering a torn Achilles. Cousins was also 35 years old at the time of signing, while Jones will be 29 entering next season.”
Although a free agent, there doesn’t seem to be any question around whether or not Jones will return to the Colts. Both he and the organization have made it clear that a reunion on a new deal is what they want.
The fact that Jones is coming off a major injury could create a potential hurdle in negotiations, but that might not be the case either. GM Chris Ballard has already stated that he is “confident” in Jones’ ability to recover from the Achilles injury and bounce back.
Before Jones’ season-ending injury and the lower leg injury he was playing through, the Colts were off to an 8-2 start and had one of the most productive offenses in football.
The Colts organization believes that the success the team had through the first half of the year can be replicated and sustained in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts’ Daniel Jones projected to earn top contract in free agency
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
