Daniel Jones Next Team: Where Will He Play in 2026?

It has been a long, strange NFL journey for quarterback Daniel Jones, who now enters the next chapter of his career with high hopes – and plenty of doubt to match.

Jones is recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon suffered late in the season, an injury that came while he was already playing through a hairline fracture in his left fibula. Here’s a look at the most pressing issues shaping his free agency outlook:

🌍 Where does Daniel Jones currently play?

Daniel Jones is currently under contract with the Indianapolis Colts, though that one-year deal is set to expire at the end of the season, making him an impending unrestricted free agent.

Jones joined the Colts after being released late last season by the Minnesota Vikings, who had added him to their active roster from the practice squad to provide backup depth during the playoffs. Prior to that, he spent five-plus seasons with the New York Giants, who selected him sixth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft before releasing him in November 2024 amid ongoing performance concerns.

Jones revitalized his career in Indianapolis, throwing 19 touchdown passes in 13 games while adding five more scores on the ground, before his season was cut short by a torn Achilles tendon.

🔮 Why is Daniel Jones' future being discussed?

Daniel Jones will be one of the focal points of the 2025 NFL free agency period – but only if the Indianapolis Colts ultimately decide not to bring him back.

Indianapolis has already expressed interest in retaining Jones after he guided the Colts to a sensational start, winning seven straight games to open the season. His play dipped in the second half, however, and a season-ending Achilles injury proved costly as Indianapolis narrowly missed the postseason.

A long-term return to Indianapolis remains firmly on the table, but if negotiations stall, Jones would immediately become one of the most sought-after quarterbacks available on the open market.

💰 What is Daniel Jones' contract situation?

Daniel Jones is under a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts. He signed this contract on March 11, 2025, agreeing to a one-year, roughly $14 million contract that includes a $6 million signing bonus and about $13.15 million guaranteed, with additional incentives for active games and performance that can push the total value above the base number.

The contract is structured to run through the end of the 2025-26 season, after which Jones will become an unrestricted free agent again if he does not re-sign. Because his deal carries only one year of control and significant guaranteed money already paid, the Colts hold most leverage this offseason if they choose to extend or re-sign him.

There are market projections suggesting that if Jones performs well and earns a long-term contract, it could be in the range of a multi-year deal in the $40–45 million per year neighborhood – but that would depend on performance, health, and team interest.

🕗 When could Daniel Jones realistically change teams?

If Jones does leave Indianapolis, the timing would likely unfold along a familiar free-agency path:

• Early free agency (March): Jones would be free to negotiate and sign immediately, with teams prioritizing quarterback needs before the NFL Draft.
• Pre-draft window: His market could crystallize quickly, particularly for teams seeking a veteran solution without spending premium draft capital.
• Post-draft fallback: If demand proves softer than expected, Jones could linger into the later spring or summer as teams reassess depth charts and injury contingencies.

In short, any team change would almost certainly occur during the opening waves of free agency (not deep into the offseason) assuming Indianapolis doesn’t strike a deal first.

⚙️ What factors would influence a Daniel Jones signing?

Daniel Jones’ next contract will be shaped less by hype and more by practical evaluation across a few key areas:

• Medical outlook: Teams will scrutinize his Achilles recovery timeline and long-term mobility outlook before committing guaranteed money.
• Role clarity: Whether a team views Jones as a clear starter, a bridge option, or a high-end backup will heavily influence both term and dollars.
• Market competition: The number of quarterback-needy teams – and the strength of the draft class – will determine how aggressive offers become.

📋 What types of teams would make sense for Daniel Jones?

Jones profiles best for teams that check at least one of the following boxes:

• Quarterback uncertainty: Clubs without a locked-in starter but unwilling to force a draft pick.
• Scheme fit: Offenses built around play-action, mobility, and quarterback protection rather than high-volume dropbacks.
• Short-term ambition: Teams seeking competence and stability while developing a younger quarterback or reshaping the roster.

🤔 Is Daniel Jones likely to return to Indianapolis in 2026?

A return to the Indianapolis Colts remains a realistic outcome.

Indianapolis has familiarity with Jones, has already seen him operate effectively within its system, and may value continuity over restarting the quarterback search. That said, the decision will likely hinge on medical confidence, contract structure, and whether the Colts believe Jones represents a clear upgrade over alternative options.

📊 What’s the most realistic outlook for Daniel Jones’ next team?

The most probable outcome is one of moderation rather than extremes.

Jones is unlikely to command franchise-quarterback money (at least on the level of the league's elite), but he also shouldn’t be viewed as a desperation signing. His next team will likely see him as a functional starter or high-end bridge, with incentives and guarantees reflecting performance and availability rather than reputation alone.

❓ Daniel Jones next team FAQs

Where will Daniel Jones play in 2026?

That will depend largely on whether Indianapolis opts for continuity. If not, Jones is expected to draw interest early in free agency from teams seeking quarterback stability without a long-term commitment.

Could Daniel Jones be traded during the 2026 season?

A trade is unlikely. Jones is entering free agency, and any team signing him would do so without the intention of flipping him midseason. Quarterback trades during the season are rare and typically driven by extreme circumstances.

Does Daniel Jones have a no-trade clause?

Jones does not currently have a contract. While he could negotiate a no-trade or limited-trade clause in a new deal, those provisions are typically reserved for elite quarterbacks and would not be expected as standard.

What is Daniel Jones likely to make in his next contract?

Jones’ next deal is expected to land in the mid-tier quarterback range, with incentives tied to starts, playoff appearances, and availability rather than a fully guaranteed structure.

How long will Daniel Jones’ next contract be?

A one- or two-year deal is the most realistic outcome, allowing teams flexibility while giving Jones an opportunity to reestablish long-term value.