Colts Face Tuesday Deadline Decision on Daniel Jones Franchise Tag

The Indianapolis Colts must decide by Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline whether to use the franchise tag on quarterback Daniel Jones, who is recovering from an Achilles injury. The team risks losing Jones to free agency if they don't secure him with either a contract extension or the $43.9 million franchise tag.

The Indianapolis Colts are racing against Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline to make a crucial decision about quarterback Daniel Jones, who could receive the franchise tag if contract extension talks don’t reach an agreement before the cutoff.

While Jones continues his recovery from an Achilles tear, the Colts face the possibility of losing him to another team in free agency if they allow negotiations to extend past Tuesday’s franchise tag deadline.

The organization appears ready to move on from quarterback Anthony Richardson, who submitted a trade request last week. All indications suggest Indianapolis plans to build their future around Jones.

General Manager Chris Ballard expressed confidence in Jones’ recovery progress and work ethic during recent comments.

“He’s on track,” Ballard stated. “With the Achilles, it’s the three-month mark where you’re kind of past the danger zone. What is he at now? Seven weeks, eight weeks. Y’all have been around Daniel enough to know, he’s pretty diligent in everything he does. You almost have to bring him back a little bit, but we feel good enough about where he’s at and where he’s going.”

The quarterback franchise tag carries a hefty price of $43.895 million, which could impact the team’s ability to retain other key players like unrestricted free agent wide receiver Alec Pierce.

Despite his injury concerns, Jones would likely attract significant attention on the open market. Several teams including the Vikings, Dolphins, Jets, and Cardinals are searching for quarterback solutions. Minnesota particularly needs help after both Jones and Sam Darnold departed following the team’s 14-win playoff season.

Ballard acknowledged the importance of retaining both players when discussing the franchise tag strategy.

“Daniel and Alec are such big pieces,” Ballard commented at the NFL Scouting Combine. “We move and fit from there.”

The Colts could alternatively use the franchise tag on Pierce for $27.298 million, but that approach carries the risk of losing Jones if they haven’t already locked him up with a long-term deal.