Colts reportedly have already made Daniel Jones decision for 2026

Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback Daniel Jones was viewed by many as a legitimate regular-season Most Valuable Player Award candidate before he attempted to play with a reported fracture in his fibula and before he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon on Dec. 7.

Some have wondered if Colts general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen would want to retain Jones, who signed a one-year contract last offseason. ESPN's Stephen Holder addressed that topic for a piece published on Thursday.

Colts believe Daniel Jones won't be a one-hit wonder

According to Holder, Colts sources revealed that Ballard and Steichen plan "to re-sign Jones in the spring, hoping for a quick recovery with the belief he can be their long-term quarterback solution." 

The Colts could also retain Jones' rights for 2026 via the franchise or transition tag. With Jones as their QB1, the Colts notched seven wins in eight games and then entered their Week 10 bye at 8-2. However, he wasn't quite the same player after he was first slowed by the fibula issue in Week 12. 

Pro Football Reference stats show that Jones began the new year ranked ninth in the NFL among qualified players with a 63.5 adjusted QBR, eighth with a 100.2 passer rating and ninth with an average of 238.5 passing yards per game. Over 13 contests, he tallied 19 passing touchdowns and eight interceptions. 

Will Chris Ballard, Shane Steichen have any say in Daniel Jones decision?

Carlie Irsay-Gordon is about to begin her first full offseason serving as Colts principal owner and CEO. According to Holder, "Irsay-Gordon has a very close working relationship with both Ballard and Steichen, spending hours on end each day working in football operations."

That said, some thought this past summer that Ballard and Steichen could both be on the hot seat. Since 2017, the Colts have won zero AFC South titles under Ballard. Steichen is about to finish his third straight season without a playoff berth. 

On Wednesday, ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler reported that they think Ballard and Steichen are "safe." Irsay-Gordon had not confirmed that to be true as of Thursday morning.