Daniel Jones’ two-year, $88 million extension with the Indianapolis Colts includes $50 million guaranteed and is increasingly viewed as more of a one-year test. If he struggles, the Colts could quickly look for a successor, with attention also turning to Texas
Daniel Jones walked into the Indianapolis season with hope still attached to every snap. Last season, he backed it up: the No. 6 pick by the New York Giants in 2019 went 8-5 as a starter with the Colts. throwing for 3. 101 yards. 19 touchdowns. and eight interceptions. Then came the shadow that never fully lifts in the NFL—an Achilles injury that ended his season in December. and the uncertainty that followed.
Indy responded by signing Jones to a two-year, $88 million contract extension. The structure matters: the deal includes $50 million guaranteed. which makes it feel. for the Colts. like a one-year commitment at the most. The implication is blunt. If Jones struggles in the upcoming season, the team could decide to move on.
That timeline would collide with a separate expectation that has been hanging over the franchise—whether Jones is around beyond this point or not. The Colts are expected to part ways with the 2023 first-round pick by next offseason if they cannot find a trade partner sooner. It’s a schedule built for motion. not patience. and it places a premium on the first stretch of the new season.
Skepticism has already been attached to the idea of a rebound in Indianapolis, especially coming off that December Achilles injury. There is also another name that has been floated for when teams want options faster than a normal draft cycle allows. Anthony Richardson is not viewed as an option. with Indianapolis expected to part ways with Jones if a trade doesn’t materialize before next offseason.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated suggested Indianapolis could look at Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby in the supplemental draft this summer.
Sorsby’s eligibility story is complicated, and it’s why the next step is moving to courts. The NCAA declined to reinstate Sorsby’s eligibility for the upcoming season after he successfully completed an inpatient rehab stint for gambling addiction and an anxiety disorder. Even so, his case is set to be heard in court.
The process, if Sorsby does enter the supplemental draft, has a specific window. Breer wrote that the NFL has given Sorsby’s camp a window of July 5 to 12 to work out for teams. The expectation would be a pro day in the Dallas area and perhaps private workouts for teams showing interest. The draft would be in late July.
Breer also pointed out that the situation is drawing more attention because of what teams are doing with their quarterback planning. A number of teams that didn’t spend top-50 picks on quarterbacks in April are reportedly watching the 2027 class. And for teams like the Steelers and Colts. the message seems to be that they can’t wait for one clean cycle when injury. performance. and contract timing can force decisions early.
There’s also the league’s enforcement history in the background. Breer noted the league could suspend Sorsby for the upcoming season the way it did in 2011 for Terrell Pryor. Pryor was suspended 11 games in 2011 in connection with a memorabilia-for-cash scandal at Ohio State.
If Indianapolis does pursue Sorsby, the pitch would be about development and insurance. Breer said Sorsby was expected to be in the running to become a first-round pick in the 2027 draft. The Colts could use a first or second-round pick on him this summer. giving him a chance to learn behind Jones before playing in 2027. That could provide a plan if Jones cannot stay healthy or regresses this fall.
It’s a lot of moving pieces at once—Jones’ guaranteed money setting expectations. Indianapolis’ willingness to turn over the quarterback position quickly. and Sorsby’s supplemental-draft timeline tied to a court process and a tight July workout window. For a team trying to define its direction, the next season doesn’t just matter for wins and losses. It may determine whether the Colts keep building with Jones—or start looking for the next answer immediately.
Daniel Jones Indianapolis Colts QB successor contract extension $88 million $50 million guaranteed Achilles injury Brendan Sorsby supplemental draft July 5 to 12 2027 draft class