No one knew that Daniel Jones would be this good. The Indianapolis Colts likely hoped he could be productive, but one of the best quarterbacks in the league? Maybe he would only be a tick better than Anthony Richardson. Things are quite different through Week 7.
Many fans and pundits were surprised when head coach Shane Steichen announced that Jones would be the Week 1 starter. He had ultimately failed through most of six seasons with the New York Giants, the team that chose Jones in the first round of the 2019 draft, and he was released during the 2024 season.
Could Jones ever be much more than a relatively low-turnover quarterback who couldn't run an explosive offense? That implied long-term backup, not potential MVP discussion. But after seven games with the Colts, Jones is firmly planted in any MVP talk.
The Indianapolis Colts and Daniel Jones haven't yet started contract extension talks
The problem for the Indianapolis Colts is a good one, though. Daniel Jones knows he can do well in Steichen's system, and Indy knows they finally have a quarterback who can work the scheme to perfection. At least for one season.
Not signing Jones to an extension would seemingly be a massive mistake and push the team backward, possibly to starting Richardson again. However, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, Indianapolis and Jones' people have yet to begin contract extension talks. The risk runs both ways.
For the quarterback, even as well as he is playing, a serious injury will certainly curtail his asking price next offseason. Jones has been hurt before and missed time. Teams might not be willing to pay as much if they think he will continue to get injured.
Assuming (and hoping) that Jones stays healthy, he should also remain productive. If the team isn't being aggressive in contract talks, he might decide he wants to see what other teams are willing to pay. The Indianapolis Colts have Daniel Jones now, know what he can do in Steichen's scheme, and should secure him before any other team has a chance to make an offer.
The quarterback has made $40 million a season before. He did so with the Giants. But he might now be looking at the kind of deal the Seattle Seahawks gave Sam Darnold: Three years and a maximum of $100.5 million. No matter what, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Colts want to get any contract extension done after the season.