One has to verify nearly everything these days. On Tuesday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz tweeted that the Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Daniel Jones had reached a long-term deal, but that was false, and Schultz quickly updated his tweet. That only means that Jones is, so far, still free to talk with other teams about a new deal. That could be with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh, like Indy, is still hoping for the return of its 2025 starter. Aaron Rodgers, who apparently has been a diminished form of his former self for a few years now, hasn't decided whether to play or not. He seemingly runs the world, at least the Steelers'.
If Pittsburgh were smart, and they just might be, they would look elsewhere for an answer to their quarterback woes. According to NFL insider Mike Florio, the Steelers are open to doing just that, as he reported on Tuesday, "But as they press a collective nose against the glass, they’re also reportedly 'nosing around' the quarterback market."
The Pittsburgh Steelers could still be players for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones
If one is nosing around the quarterback market, one should assume that includes Daniel Jones, arguably the best quarterback on the market, at least for a short time. The concern is that the Colts were quick to place the transition tag on the QB, and then quick to agree to terms with wide receiver Alec Pierce, but not quick to wrap up Jones.
The official start of the NFL fiscal year is on Wednesday, and players can officially sign new deals. Jones doesn't have to return to Indianapolis just because the transition tag is applied to him, but the Colts do have a right to match any offer.
What if the Pittsburgh Steelers offer what Daniel Jones reportedly wants: $50 million a season? Would general manager Chris Ballard match that? Could the Colts even pay that much? The team is tight against the cap even after trading wide receiver Michael Pittman and linebacker Zaire Franklin.
The team might have to make other moves, too, such as signing left guard Quenton Nelson and running back Jonathan Taylor to extensions, thereby lowering their cap hits in 2026. The same might need to be done with defensive lineman DeForest Buckner.
Or maybe, and hopefully, the Indianapolis Colts agree to terms on a long-term extension with Daniel Jones before 4 pm ET on Wednesday, and all is right in the world, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are still searching for their next QB.