The Indianapolis Colts have received inquiries from multiple teams regarding starting quarterback Daniel Jones and have shown a willingness to listen to offers ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline, according to reports from ESPN and NFL Network.
Jones remains scheduled to start Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys at Lucas Oil Stadium. However, with Indianapolis sitting at 2-6 after four straight losses, the front office is exploring avenues to collect future draft selections and reduce contractual liabilities before the 4 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday.
Interest around the league
The Baltimore Ravens were among the clubs that reached out regarding Jones, ESPN reported, before pivoting to complete a trade with the Arizona Cardinals for veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The Ravens sought depth after losing both Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley to injured reserve.
Speculation has also centered on the Minnesota Vikings, according to ESPN. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell previously worked with Jones during the final stretch of the 2024 campaign after the quarterback parted ways with the New York Giants. Minnesota has turned to Carson Wentz to start Monday night against the Buffalo Bills while Kyler Murray recovers from a hamstring injury.
However, reports regarding the Colts’ true intentions have offered contrasting signals. While ESPN and NFL Network noted Indianapolis is open to discussions at the right price, Tom Pelissero reported that the Colts told interested franchises they are not trading Jones, according to Sports Illustrated.
Contract stakes and roster reshaping
Jones joined the Colts in March on a two-year, $88 million contract that featured a $44 million signing bonus. A key element in any potential trade discussion is a $10.51 million injury guarantee for 2027, which converts into a full guarantee on March 15 if he remains on the Indianapolis roster. League sources told ESPN and NFL Network that Jones could consider waiving that injury provision to help facilitate a transaction to an interested club.
If the Colts fall further out of playoff contention, keeping Jones on the field carries financial risk should he suffer a severe injury. Colts head coach Shane Steichen backed the veteran publicly this week, stating that “Daniel gives us the best chance to win right now.” Yet the qualifying phrase raised questions across the league about the team’s long-term direction.
The inquiries arrive amid significant turnover in Indianapolis. Owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon recently dismissed longtime general manager Chris Ballard and placed assistant manager Ed Dodds in charge of reshaping the roster. The club has already traded away franchise cornerstones Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, while running back Jonathan Taylor has also surfaced in trade chatter.
What happens next hinges on Sunday’s action against Dallas. If Jones emerges healthy and an aggressive suitor meets the Colts’ asking price, a deal could come together before Tuesday’s cutoff.
