The Indianapolis Colts have told teams they will not trade quarterback Daniel Jones ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, ending hopes for franchises seeking to bolster their quarterback options. Multiple teams reportedly contacted the Colts about Jones’s availability, but Indianapolis made clear it intends to keep its starting quarterback.
Jones’s name had gained traction as the deadline approached, with several quarterback-needy teams exploring potential upgrades amid widespread uncertainty around the league. His recent performances and contract situation made him a tempting target. Jones signed a two-year, $88 million deal with the Colts this March after a stint with the Minnesota Vikings. Despite interest, the Colts have refused to consider moving him, a stance confirmed by NFL insider Tom Pelissero on Twitter.
The Colts have been active in trade talks involving other players, including running back Jonathan Taylor, which made their refusal to trade Jones stand out. Teams facing injuries or inconsistent play at quarterback will find their options narrowing further as the deadline looms. Jones’s unavailability removes a notable option for those hoping to strengthen their roster for the remainder of the season.
Among the teams that expressed interest in Jones were the Baltimore Ravens and the Minnesota Vikings. The Ravens eventually acquired Jacoby Brissett from the Arizona Cardinals, and the Vikings have been dealing with injuries to Kyler Murray and have Carson Wentz stepping into the starting role. Jones could have provided an alternative, but Indianapolis’s position leaves those sides to look elsewhere.
The Colts’ decision comes at a time when the quarterback market is becoming increasingly limited. The refusal to trade Jones means teams must either stick with their current quarterbacks or pursue other less established options. With the deadline set for 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, it remains possible the Colts could reverse course, but for now, their stance is firm.
This development complicates matters for teams still in search of a reliable starting quarterback, forcing a reevaluation of trade strategies in the final hours before the deadline closes. Jones will remain a Colt for the foreseeable future unless Indianapolis changes its mind.
According to Yahoo Sports.
