The Indianapolis Colts have informed quarterback Daniel Jones that he will not be traded before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Despite receiving inquiries about Jones' availability, the Colts (2-7) have decided to keep the 27-year-old signal-caller for the remainder of the season. Indianapolis has already been active in the trade market, sending offensive lineman Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive lineman DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers. Star running back Jonathan Taylor, who bid an emotional farewell after Sunday's 27-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, remains the biggest name potentially on the move, while wide receiver Josh Downs and defensive tackle Grover Stewart have also drawn interest.
Jones, who signed a two-year, $88 million extension in the offseason, has struggled statistically this year. He ranks near the bottom of the league among 30 qualified quarterbacks in yards per attempt (5.7, 29th), touchdown-to-interception ratio (6-10, 29th), completion percentage (60.3%, 26th), and yards per completion (9.5, 29th). His supporting cast has been hampered by injuries, notably wide receiver Alec Pierce, who has missed most of the season after aggravating an ankle injury. Keenan Allen leads the team in receptions (40), while Downs paces the club in receiving yards (354).
The Minnesota Vikings were speculated as a potential suitor given Jones' previous stint on their practice squad, but it remains unclear which teams contacted the Colts. Indianapolis, which fired general manager Chris Ballard earlier this season and does not own its first-round pick due to the Sauce Gardner trade, may view Jones as a placeholder for 2025. The contract includes a potential out after this season that would leave $35.2 million in dead cap space.
