Daniel Jones has always been a polarizing figure. The Indianapolis Colts quarterback can alternate beautifully layered throws with mind-boggling interceptions on the same drive, and it feels like you never know what version of him you'll get.
That's not necessarily what anyone would want from the quarterback position. The physical traits and the talent are pretty obvious, and he's cleaned up some of his operational stuff over the years, but consistency is key at the most important position in team sports.
Jones looks fully healthy after suffering a major injury last season, but something is off. He's not the same efficient and smart decision-maker we saw when he first arrived in Indianapolis, and all the turnovers are a terrible reminder of the player he once was.
Daniel Jones might cost himself a long-term deal with the Indianapolis Colts
Even with the Colts riding a two-game winning streak, Shane Steichen should be worried about his quarterback. Granted, Alec Pierce's absence hurts the deep game and forces Jones to check the ball down more often than he'd like, but that's not all.
While his average distance to target (6.2) is the shortest of his career, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), his turnover-worthy play rate (5.4 percent) is the second-highest of his career, behind only his rookie season (5.5). Simply put, he's not pushing the ball, and when he does take risks, he's putting the ball in harm's way.
For a timing-based passer like Jones, anticipation is key. Unfortunately, he's not reading the field well, throwing into double coverage, and sometimes right into the hands of a defender. He's up to four interceptions against just three touchdowns this season, and all of those picks have been on him.
This isn't a health issue. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to outrun the Washington Commanders' defense for a scrambling touchdown in London out of an RPO play. His Achilles looks fine; his mechanics are the same; he's just not making good decisions.
Jones' days in the Big Apple ended because of the turnovers and erratic plays. He asked to be released despite leaving plenty of money on the table to prove that he wasn't the problem, and for a while, it truly felt that way.
He spent the remainder of the season attending the Kevin O'Connell school of quarterbacks, and then beat out Anthony Richardson Sr. for the Colts' QB1 job. As low as the bar was, he deserved credit for how efficiently and smartly he ran Shane Steichen's offense for the first ten games or so.
But now that the sample size has grown and Jones' older tendencies are showing their ugly face again, one can only wonder whether this is just who he is or whether he can actually clean this up. The Colts don't need a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde situation at quarterback.
The Colts gave him a two-year deal, but they can still save over $30 million by cutting him this offseason. And if this team fails to make the playoffs, it's hard to believe those who vouched for him will be back for another ride in 2027.
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