NFL
Exclusive: Colts Widely Expected to Re-Sign Daniel Jones Amid Free-Agent Uncertainty
Quarterback Daniel Jones, recovering from a torn Achilles, is expected to return to the Colts due to his familiarity with the team and system. Bringing him in off a major injury is seen as risky by other teams, making a return to Indianapolis likely and sensible. Colts GM Chris Ballard is a strong supporter, making a deal with Jones a probable outcome.
Philadelphia Eagles v New York Giants by Luke Hales | Getty Images
There is great uncertainty about much of the upcoming NFL free-agent market, with the league year opening still weeks away, but there is a growing consensus among quarterback-needy teams that Daniel Jones will be heading back to Indianapolis.
Jones is an intriguing option for teams given how well he played at times for the Giants and the strong campaign he was mounting for the Colts last season. But a torn Achilles in December wiped out any chance for Jones to have a normal offseason or training camp, and, according to multiple general managers and other personnel executives, made it increasingly likely he returns to the Colts.
A Tricky Proposition
Bringing in Jones off a major injury, with him unable to practice with new players and implement what will be a foreign offense to him with a new team is a dangerous prospect. And it’s one teams will likely avoid, with Jones heavily preferring to go back to a team where he already has a mastery of the system and chemistry with his teammates.
While a return to Indianapolis may not be a slam dunk, it’s being viewed around the league as something of a lay up, with Colts general manager Chris Ballard remaining a champion of the quarterback.
“Ballard was going to put the (franchise) tag on him if he didn’t get hurt,” said on NFL general manager on the prowl for a new quarterback who would have interest in Jones if he was healthy.
“Everybody knew that. Now he can keep him without tagging him.”
A second GM said: “Jones is going back to the Colts. It makes too much sense not to happen.”
The Colts have been desperate for stability at quarterback since Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement, and the other options on the market or via trade are limited at best. They’ll be well positioned to land Jones on another short-term deal, likely to be incentive-laden as well.
Other quarterbacks expected to make waves in the trade or free-agent market include Kyler Murray and Malik Willis.
La Canfora has covered over 20 Super Bowls and League Meetings and NFL drafts, building a wide network of sources throughout all aspects of the game. He was an award winning print journalist as well, working at The Detroit Free Press and The Baltimore Sun prior to his first stint at The Washington Post. He has covered sporting events around the world, including two Winter Olympics and all of the 2006 World Cup. He attended his first NFL game in 1978, and would soon kindle what has become a lifelong love and appreciation of the sport. La Canfora is also a professional handicapper, specializing in the NFL, creating a daily sports wagering game show - "Wanna Bet?" He also hosts nationally broadcast NFL radio shows in the US, as well as a daily sports radio show in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.