The Indianapolis Colts Make a Bold Move

The Indianapolis Colts are taking significant steps to secure their future.

In a major trade before the NFL deadline, they acquired standout cornerback Sauce Gardner from the Jets. The cost? Wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and two first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027—clearly a hefty price for the 25-year-old, who is a two-time All-Pro.

By trading away their next two first-round picks, the Colts appear to have shifted their focus away from finding a new franchise quarterback. Instead, they seem to have faith in their current option, Daniel Jones, who has shown signs of resurgence.

“The consistency he brings, the preparation he brings, I think that’s going to come through on the field Sunday. He’s working on it,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen remarked about Jones back in September. “He’s been doing a hell of a job,” he added.

Jones, 28, joined the Colts on a one-year deal before the 2025-26 season, hoping to rebound from a tough exit with the Giants.

That gamble seems to be paying off, as he is on track to sign a significant contract extension this offseason.

His tenure in New York wasn’t easy; despite starting 69 games, he only managed to win 24 over six seasons, plagued by injuries and unable to live up to a four-year, $160 million contract signed in September 2023. The No. 6 overall pick of the 2019 draft faced a demotion to backup Tommy DeVito in Week 12 last year before asking for his release.

Perhaps a fresh environment was what he needed.

Now, nearly a year since his retirement, Jones has completed an impressive 69.6 percent of his passes, totaling 14 touchdowns and 2,404 passing yards, leading the Colts to a top spot in the AFC with an outstanding 7-2 record.

The transformation is remarkable. Even his former teammates with the Giants noticed his improvement. “I can’t say I’m surprised,” wide receiver Darius Slayton stated ahead of a matchup with the San Francisco 49ers in Week 9. “When I do something in life, whether it’s school or work, I know—people who approach things a certain way and prepare a certain way. You may not succeed at one moment, but with effort and the right approach, it will pay off in the end,” he reflected.

As the trade deadline approached, the Colts faced their toughest start of the season. Jones threw three interceptions in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, although he had only one touchdown in that match, contributing to a 27-20 loss.

Nevertheless, the Colts were determined to focus on their next game, eager to secure a third consecutive win and set their sights on a promising future.

Indianapolis believes in its potential for championship contention, envisioning a long-term role for Jones within the franchise.