Indianapolis’ ongoing roster dismantling may soon include the quarterback once tabbed as the franchise’s future.
Per ESPN, the Colts have initiated trade discussions involving Daniel Jones this week, reaching out to multiple franchises.
However, the report explicitly names only one team—Baltimore—as having concrete dialogue. The Ravens inquired about Jones but ultimately acquired Jacoby Brissett from Arizona after his demotion to third-string signaled his availability.
Minnesota is the only other club mentioned, though the report characterizes the Vikings’ involvement as mere ‘speculation’—a scenario discussed here since Minnesota’s loss in Detroit last Sunday.
Unlike the Jonathan Taylor sweepstakes—which drew documented interest from five teams—the lack of named suitors for Jones suggests the market may be exceptionally thin.
Few contenders currently have a vacancy at starter. Minnesota stands alone as a playoff hopeful with a potential need, and it shares a history with Jones—alongside the Giants, though a reunion there is mutually undesirable.
That landscape could shift instantly with a starter injury. Historical precedent exists: in 2009, Jason Campbell’s collarbone fracture drove Oakland to acquire a disgruntled Carson Palmer from Cincinnati.
More recently, Kirk Cousins’ 2023 Achilles tear forced Minnesota into a last-minute deal for Arizona’s Joshua Dobbs.
Barring a similar emergency, the Vikings likely remain the sole deadline destination for Jones.
Jones’ own preference carries weight. If he is frustrated by Indianapolis’ decision to trade cornerstones Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner amid a 2-5 start—despite competitive losses to Kansas City and Minnesota—he would logically favor a move to a contender.
Minnesota hoped to retain Jones after the 2024 season, but he chose Indianapolis, viewing a clearer path to starting over Anthony Richardson than behind J.J. McCarthy. A guaranteed starting role in Minnesota would now trump a lost season with the Colts.
Jones also holds contractual leverage. His 2027 roster bonus and base salary ($10.51 million) become fully guaranteed in March but are currently guaranteed only for injury. ESPN notes Jones could waive that injury guarantee to facilitate a trade.
Conversely, a refusal to waive that protection could veto a deal if the acquiring team balks at the potential eight-figure liability.
Currently, Minnesota appears the only genuine suitor. A trade gains significant traction if the Vikings fall to Buffalo on Monday with Carson Wentz under center.
Alternatively, Minnesota may have already agreed to a post-Monday Night Football deal—contingent on the outcome—and opted to delay announcement until Week 9 concludes.
Regardless, Jones’ injury history adds urgency. If he suffers a setback Sunday against Dallas, his trade value evaporates. Watch for an early benching—a potential signal that a deal is already in place.