No one should assume that quarterback Daniel Jones is definitely going to be back with the Indianapolis Colts. He said all the right words after the season ended about being interested in coming back to the team, because why would he say anything else? He wouldn't want to burn bridges.
Unless general manager Chris Ballard is extremely aggressive in re-signing the free agent quarterback, though, another team could snap up Danny Dimes. It may simply come down to cold, hard cash. Due to a torn Achilles tendon in Week 14, Jones might miss the start of next season, and that could diminish his asking price, but not likely.
In other words, multiple teams are going to want Jones besides the Colts. One of those is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who, according to Ryan Pawloski of Still Curtain, should absolutely target the quarterback in free agency. Moreover, Jones would be a younger and more physically able quarterback than 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers.
Could Daniel Jones leave the Indianapolis Colts for the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Pawloski writes, "Many wrote (Jones) off as a starter in the league, but those tunes have changed. During 13 starts this past campaign, Jones totaled 24 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and 3,101 passing yards. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is known for molding quarterbacks, and Jones could be the perfect option if his contract is reasonable."
To be fair, Daniel Jones might need much more molding. He spent part of 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings and head coach Kevin O'Connell. Except for J.J. McCarthy, O'Connell has been a bit of a quarterback whisperer. No further proof exists of that than Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold.
In 2025, Jones was with the Colts, of course, and Shane Steichen has been known to elevate the play of quarterbacks, too. He didn't have much to work with before this season (Anthony Richardson might be a bad fit everywhere, and is more likely to end up as a first-round bust), but Jones had arguably his best season in the NFL with Indianapolis.
Pawloski's overall point is the scary part for Indianapolis Colts fans, though. Unless re-signed prior to free agency, Daniel Jones can sign anywhere he wants to. He was given a chance to start in Indy, and maybe that means something to him, but he would have the same opportunity in Pittsburgh. Or Minnesota. Or whatever other team wants him.
The clear bottom line is that general manager Chris Ballard has to talk to Jones and his people now and not wait until free agency hits. The Colts have the advantage currently that the team won't have in a month.