Indianapolis Colts have positioned the transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones, marking a uncommon NFL technique unseen since 1996 to safe his companies.
Particulars of the Transition Tag
The transition tag presents Jones $37.8 million, decrease than the $43.9 million franchise tag. It permits Jones to barter long-term contracts with different groups. Ought to he signal elsewhere, the Colts maintain matching rights. Declining to match would lead to dropping Jones with out draft compensation.
The Atlanta Falcons final employed this tag in 1996 on Jeff George, a former Colts quarterback.
Jones’ Efficiency and Damage Setback
Following a difficult exit from the New York Giants in 2024, Jones excelled with the Colts in 2025 on a one-year, $14 million deal. The staff stood at 8-4 when he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 14 in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 7.
Indianapolis misplaced six consecutive video games afterward, lacking the playoffs. Officers view Jones’ wholesome play as promising sufficient for retention.
NFL Insider Tom Pelissero notes Jones is negotiating a long-term extension with the Colts, although contract worth stays undisclosed.
Anthony Richardson Commerce Talks
Backup quarterback Anthony Richardson and the Colts have mutually agreed to pursue a commerce this offseason, in response to NFL Community’s Cameron Wolfe.
Richardson, a former first-round choose, has performed solely 17 video games over three seasons because of accidents. He accomplished 47.7% of passes in 2024 and tried simply two in 2025, one completion. He sat inactive from mid-October after fracturing his orbital bone in a pregame incident.
The Colts see 2025 sixth-rounder Riley Leonard as a viable backup, limiting Richardson’s position subsequent season.
