The Indianapolis Colts cannot know for sure what the future of Daniel Jones will be. He is a free agent and able to sign with the highest bidder, if he so chooses. Maybe the quarterback feels some kind of connection with Indy as the team gave him a chance to start again, but there is no true guarantee.
What is true is that Jones has a long road to recovery ahead of him this offseason. He tore his Achilles tendon in Week 14, an injury that usually takes 9-12 months to fully heal. If that is how long it takes for Jones to return to football, he will likely miss the first part of the 2026 season.
The QB is getting some seemingly unexpected advice on how to approach his rehab from the surgery that was needed to repair his Achilles tendon. At least, unexpected from how many NFL fans might see the source. Some players appear only out for themselves, but maybe that isn't the case.
Aaron Jones unexpectedly advising Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones this offseason
Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon in Week 1 with the New York Jets in 2023. According to ESPN's Stephen Holder, Rodgers has had phone conversations with Jones since Jones had the same kind of injury. Rodgers came back in 2024 and wasn't overly productive, but his Achilles wasn't the issue.
Age and the talent around him might have been, but that won't be the situation for Jones, assuming he returns to the Colts. Danny Dimes will be just 29 years old at the start of next season, and Indy has several very good receivers, even if free agent Alec Pierce doesn't return.
Jones also might choose to return because he is comfortable in Shane Steichen's offensive system, and knows that it might offer the quarterback the ideal scenario in which to show he can return healthy and efficient. This is especially true if he only signs a contract for a couple of years.
That would give Jones the ability to be a free agent again sooner than later, depending on the size of the deal that is offered to him this offseason. Maybe a team overspends for him, but hopefully, the Indianapolis Colts are able to get him back on an affordable contract.
Or maybe the Colts sign Aaron Rodgers. He is a free agent, too. That wouldn't be ideal, however. It is better to sign the player Rodgers is assisting this offseason so far.