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Daniel Jones is on one of the most surprising runs of the NFL season, and the conversation around him is changing fast. When the year began, few expected Jones to beat out Anthony Richardson for the Colts’ starting quarterback job, let alone lead the team to 7-1 entering Week 9. While the football world debates his MVP chances, another headline is brewing behind the scenes. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Colts want to keep Jones beyond this season and are exploring a long-term contract. It’s hardly surprising given how well the former Giants quarterback has played since arriving on a one-year, $14 million deal. Still, the kind of deal Jones gets will be closely watched. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad NFL insider Ryan Wilson recalled when Jones landed a four-year contract worth $160 million with the Giants. He pointed out how difficult it may be for Indianapolis to finalize a figure now. “I mentioned that because I would imagine on this next deal, the Colts are reportedly interested in signing him to a multi-year deal, you’re going to have to pay him more than $40 million.” ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Former Tennessee Titans GM Ran Carthon added that while the team wants Jones to stay. The deal won’t reach the top of the quarterback market. “You absolutely want him back,” Carthon said. “I think it’s smart to try to get this deal done now… the franchise tag will be the floor. However, because you mentioned the Brock Purdy deal, it’s not going to touch that deal. I don’t think it’s going to come close… he’s going to come in at a team-friendly deal that’s market appropriate. Not crushing the market, but fair.” Carthon emphasized that Jones’ awareness of cap flexibility could keep his number below Purdy’s $265 million deal. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports The 49ers quarterback became one of the highest-paid players in NFL history with an average annual value of $53 million. But Purdy’s recent struggles, including a 6-9 record last season and a slow start due to injuries, have made that figure stand out more than ever. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad For Jones, who has outperformed expectations at a fraction of that price, the contrast is striking. Yet Carthon’s comments suggest Indianapolis won’t chase Purdy-sized numbers on Jones’ next contract. In six of his seven starts, Jones has been sacked once or fewer. In each of those games, he’s finished with a passer rating over 100. The Colts now stand 1st in the AFC South, all thanks to Jones’ unlikely rebirth. Yet somehow, the MVP buzz hasn’t caught up to his performance. Daniel Jones is emerging as the Colts’ steady force Daniel Jones may not yet command the spotlight of names like Patrick Mahomes, but his play has been impossible to ignore. The Colts quarterback currently leads the league with a total QBR of 79.7 while completing an impressive 71 percent of his passes, numbers that underscore both efficiency and control. Across seven games, Jones has thrown for 1,790 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just three interceptions, adding four rushing scores to complete his breakout campaign. Inside the Colts’ building, officials increasingly view him as the stabilizing presence who has transformed the team’s offense and kept their playoff hopes firmly on track. Around the league, executives are taking notice. “If you aren’t in position to draft and develop a guy,” one front-office source noted, “it makes a lot of sense to try one of these bridge options if you trust your system and roster.” Jones’ success perfectly embodies that mindset, a reminder that the right environment can elevate a talented but previously inconsistent quarterback into a franchise cornerstone. Still, Indianapolis faces a crucial decision. With Spotrac projecting Jones’ next contract in the $190 million range, the Colts must balance their immediate success with the long-term financial health of the roster. For now, Jones remains the heartbeat of Indianapolis’ resurgence, a poised, confident leader who appears to have finally found the system, the staff, and the moment that fit him best.
