Is Daniel Jones close to helping Colts keep WR Alec Pierce?

A report on Feb. 11  revealed that it is considered a "formality" that quarterback Daniel Jones will return to the Indianapolis Colts and serve as their starter for at least one more season after he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon on Dec. 7, 2025. 

That said, Colts reporters such as James Boyd of The Athletic have noted that the club may have to use the franchise tag to retain either Jones or wide receiver Alec Pierce, both of whom are on track to become unrestricted free agents when the new league year opens on March 11. 

According to NFL insider Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom, the Colts may not have to tag Jones before the deadline to use that asset arrives at 4 p.m. ET on March 3.

What NFL people are hearing about Daniel Jones, Colts

On Thursday, La Canfora shared that he recently spoke with an "NFL general manager on the prowl for a new quarterback" about Jones' future. La Canfora hinted that Colts general manager Chris Ballard and Jones are close to coming to terms on a deal that would free up the franchise tag to be used on Pierce, if needed. 

"Ballard was going to put the tag on him if he didn’t get hurt," the unnamed general manager said about Jones. "Everybody knew that. Now [Ballard] can keep [Jones] without tagging him." 

Jones went 8-2 as Indianapolis' starter before he suffered a reported fibula injury in Week 12 of his first season with the Colts. Meanwhile, ESPN stats show that Pierce led the team for the campaign with 1,003 receiving yards that he recorded on just 47 catches. Over 15 games, Pierce tallied six receiving touchdowns. 

It is certain that Jones and Pierce would attract plenty of attention from would-be buyers if they were permitted to reach the open market. It sounds like the two will still be married to the Colts once the upcoming league year gets underway. 

This "makes too much sense" for Daniel Jones, Colts

"Jones is going back to the Colts," a second general manager told La Canfora. "It makes too much sense not to happen." 

While Ballard unquestionably needs to bolster the Indianapolis roster to keep up with and possibly pass the conference's top teams, the executive could consider the offseason a win if he is able to hold onto Jones and Pierce for at least one more campaign.