Overview
- Chris Ballard said he views Daniel Jones as the near- and long-term answer and called the interest in a new contract "mutual," adding the team will work through terms with his agent.
- Jones, 28, tore his right Achilles on Dec. 7 and is set for unrestricted free agency in March, with Ballard expressing confidence in his recovery based on age and prior return-to-play histories.
- Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon retained Ballard and coach Shane Steichen after the 8-2 start collapsed into a seven-game skid, stressing that the urgency to deliver "has never been higher."
- Anthony Richardson's role remains uncertain as he continues to address vision limitations from an orbital fracture, though Ballard dismissed the idea of voiding his contract.
- With no 2026 first-round pick after the Sauce Gardner trade, the Colts also highlighted rookie Riley Leonard's late-season promise as they shape the depth chart behind Jones.