League sources indicate that the Indianapolis Colts have entered active trade discussions concerning quarterback Daniel Jones, mirroring their recent negotiations regarding running back Jonathan Taylor. According to reports from ESPN and NFL Network, several teams have placed calls to Indianapolis to gauge the availability of the signal caller. Jones is currently scheduled to take the field against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, yet the front office remains receptive to hearing potential offers from across the league.
The Baltimore Ravens emerged as one of the primary teams to check in on Jones. However, the Ravens ultimately decided to pursue former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett instead. Despite that specific outcome, sources confirm that Baltimore was not the only franchise to reach out. The Minnesota Vikings have also been linked to potential interest, a development that carries weight given Jones' previous tenure with the team and the Vikings' reputation for maintaining a high caliber defensive unit.
Indianapolis has generally chosen to defer final decisions on moving Jones until this week, should they decide to execute a deal at all. The organization’s stance is consistent with its broader approach to roster management, where they are open to conversations but insist on receiving fair compensation for any player they release. The team is motivated to acquire substantial draft capital while simultaneously managing its financial exposure.
A significant factor in the potential trade is Jones' contract structure. He is set to receive a $10.51 million injury guarantee for the 2027 season, which becomes fully guaranteed on March 15 if he remains on the Colts' roster. With the team currently holding a 2-6 record and potentially on the verge of being eliminated from playoff contention, Indianapolis may wish to avoid the risk of an injury to Jones that would trigger that financial commitment. Consequently, a trade could allow the Colts to shed that liability, though it is also noted that Jones could waive the guarantee if he elected to join another franchise.
The quarterback was signed in March to a two-year contract worth $88 million, which included a $44 million signing bonus. Before the injury guarantee becomes an even more pressing concern, the Colts are positioned to trade him if they identify a suitable package. The trade deadline for receiving calls is set for 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, providing a short window for final negotiations.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen recently offered Jones a vote of confidence, stating that Daniel gives us the best chance to win right now. While the statement affirmed his current starting status, the inclusion of the phrase right now suggested flexibility for the future. This nuance has been closely monitored by other general managers who are seeking quarterback upgrades. Any team currently facing a quarterback dilemma or dealing with an injury could find value in calling the Colts.
The landscape for quarterback trades may shift further over the weekend. If another team suffers a significant injury to its starting signal caller, similar to the Ravens losing Lamar Jackson and Tyler Snoop Huntley to the injured reserve last week, the interest in Jones could intensify. The combination of multiple teams inquiring and the approaching deadline creates a volatile situation for the Colts, who are weighing their competitive future against financial prudence.
