Jeffri Chadiha: Daniel Jones Next NFL Superstar

0:00On April 1st, NFL analyst Jeffrey Chadiha has Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts pegged as his top pick to follow in Sam Donnell's footsteps, heading into 2026. The 28-year-old quarterback just inked a two-year, $88 million deal with the Colts after a breakout year cut shore by injury. Before tearing his Achilles in week 14 against Jacksonville, Jones threw for over 3,100 yards, 19 touchdowns, and just eight picks leading Indy to an eight-and-two start. Donnell's own path sets the blueprint. He went from a top five jetz bust in 2019 to bouncing between four teams before landing a three-year. $100 million pack with Seattle last offseason. There he leveled up big time, becoming their Super Bowl winning starter. Jones mirrors that grind. A sixth overall pick out of Duke in 2019, he got the boot from New York after tough years marred by injuries. Fans and insiders see the parallels, with Jones drawing motivation from getting humbled

1:02in the Big Apple. He even spent late 2024 on Minnesota's practice squad, studying Donald under coach Kevin O'Connell before outdulling Anthony. Richardson for Indy's job on a one-year $14 million-dollar prove-a-deal. Nowfully recovered, the Colts doubled down on Jones with that fresh extension, packed with up to 12 million more in incentives. He's got firepower like Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, Alec Pierce stretching the field, and second-year tight-end Tyler Warren as a safety valve. Plus, head coach Shane Steichen, who molded Jalen Hertz into an MVP contender in Philly, knows how to unlock quarterbacks. If Jones stays healthy for full campaign and recaptures that early magic, he could lock in as Indy's long-term answer. Maybe even push for a deep. Playoff run, like Donald did, just watch how this second act unfolds in 2026.