Overview
- The Colts traded Quenton Nelson, DeForest Buckner, Keenan Allen and Josh Downs before Tuesday's trade deadline, turning several veterans on expiring deals into roughly 10 picks for the 2027 draft.
- Coach Shane Steichen publicly reaffirmed Daniel Jones as the starter, and Jones said he was “not happy” to see teammates moved while pledging to focus on playing.
- Jones has posted about 1,722 passing yards, six touchdowns and 10 interceptions through nine games, a downturn that will shape how the next general manager evaluates him.
- Contract breakdowns reported by ESPN show $10.51 million of Jones' 2027 pay would become guaranteed on a roster date and cutting him would create roughly $35.2 million in 2027 dead-cap, making any offseason choice expensive.
- After owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon fired GM Chris Ballard in late October and gave interim personnel control to club executives, the Colts will use the rest of the season to test young players and let the incoming GM decide how to deploy the new draft capital.