Shane Steichen has continued to make clear that Daniel Jones will continue to be the Indianapolis Colts' starting quarterback.
Reporting from NFL insider Tom Pelissero echoes those comments, saying that "the Colts haven't discussed benching QB Daniel Jones," noting that Jones is "playing with depleted weapons."
That said, within Jones' contract is a $10.51 million 2027 injury guarantee, which Pelissero says could "become a factor if and when Indy is out of playoff contention."
The Colts haven’t discussed benching QB Daniel Jones, who is still working back from a torn Achilles and has been playing with depleted weapons. But a $10.51 million 2027 injury guarantee could become a factor if and when Indy is out of playoff contention. More in The Sweep:…
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— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 31, 2026
Jones has completed just 59% of his passes at only 5.8 yards per attempt, with four touchdowns to seven interceptions. Although, to Pelissero's reporting, there hasn't been a lot of help around Jones this season either.
That said, the Colts were expecting more from Jones when they signed him to this deal in the offseason.
Jones signed a two-year, $88 million deal at the start of the free-agent window back in March. However, despite the hefty amount of money in that deal, the Colts could still move on from Jones in the upcoming offseason.
According to Over the Cap, releasing Jones after the season would come with a $35.2 million dead cap hit, but it would still free up $11.6 million in cap space for the 2027 season.
If Jones were designated a post-June 1st release, the dead cap hit would be spread out over multiple seasons, but it would result in a cap savings of $38 million for the 2027 season.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 'Factor' in Daniel Jones' contract may impact starting role with Colts
