Colts Face Tough Tag Decision: Jones or Pierce?

0:00On March 1st, the Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Daniel Jones remain far apart in contract talks as the lead's tag deadline approaches on March 3rd at 4 p.m. Eastern. Reports suggest the team might slap the transition tag on him if no long-term deal gets done soon. That tag gives the Colts right a first refusal on any offer sheet Jones signs elsewhere, but no draft picks if they pass. He's projected at about $43.9 million for him this year, based on top salaries at the position over the past five years. The catch is, the Colts only get one tag this off season, forcing a choice between Jones and star-wide receiver Alec Pierce, who's also nearing free, agency. Pierce has turned heads as a deep threat, leading the league in yards per catch the last two seasons at just 25 years old. Pierce tests the market unchecked, could spark a bidding war. Much like what happened with their own day old Odaingbo last year when he landed a three-year $48 million deal elsewhere.

1:01Teams often see prices skyrocket early in free agency, pushing hard for Jones extension now would free up the franchise tag for Pierce if needed, helping the Colts lock in their key pieces without unnecessary risks.