Colts Lock in QB Daniel Jones with $88M Extension

0:00On March 11th, the Indianapolis Colt have locked in quarterback Daniel Jones with a two-year contract extension worth $88 million, which could climb as high as 100 million. The deal includes $50.510 million in the first year, and $60 million in guarantees. After months of talks, this gives the team's stability at the most important position. Negotiations dragged into the first day of the NFL's two-day window, forcing the Colts to use the transition tag on Jones, only the second time that's happened for a quarterback. The team had high hopes after his breakout performance last season under head coach Shane Steichen. Jones thrived in a new role focused on pocket passing and reading defenses, completing 68% of his throws for 3,001. 101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. His 100.2 quarterback rating was a career high, and he ranked 7th in expected points added per dropback. By the trade deadline, the Colts were so confident they swapped their next two first-round picks, and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell for New York.

1:05Cornerback Saw Scardner Then came the torn Achilles tendon, which derailed the season, though Jones and the team expect him back by opening day. With Jones' injury history and few strong quarterback options in this off-season's draft or free agency, General Manager Chris Ballard is betting on. The veterans preparation and bill to pay off long-term, ending years of uncertainty under center for Indianapolis.