The Indianapolis Colts have made their stance on Daniel Jones clear ahead of the NFL trade deadline, leaving fans and analysts scratching their heads. Even after Sunday’s 27-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys dropped them to 2-7, the team has no plans to move the veteran quarterback before Tuesday’s deadline.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, several teams contacted Indianapolis about Jones, but the Colts listened without showing any real interest in trading him.
NFL World Slams Colts’ Daniel Jones Decision
“The Colts informed QB Daniel Jones on Saturday that they’re not trading him by Tuesday’s deadline,” Pelissero reported. “Teams called and the Colts listened. But they never had any intention of moving him. Despite speculation, Jones is staying in Indy.”
The decision comes during a difficult period for the franchise. Through nine games this season, Jones has completed 182 of 302 passes for 1,722 yards, six touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He ranks No. 32 among quarterbacks with a PFN QB Impact Score of 63.8.
The Colts’ decision is also puzzling, given the moves Indianapolis has already made. The front office has traded away established players such as guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, suggesting the team is looking toward a rebuild. Yet they appear intent on keeping Jones for the rest of the season.
The news quickly sparked reactions on social media, with several NFL analysts questioning what Indianapolis is trying to accomplish.
NFL writer John Frascella expressed his frustration, writing, “I just don’t understand what is going on with the Colts… I’ve never seen a franchise implode like this… what does keeping Daniel Jones do? Trade his [expletive], get an asset or two, play Anthony Richardson… oh my, Carlie Irsay-Gordon.”
NFL Draft analyst Destin Adams also questioned the move. “Truly makes no sense to me. Why wouldn’t you move him if a team is calling and offering anything for someone you are going to cut this offseason? But it is what it is, I guess,” Adams wrote.
Truly makes no sense to me
Why wouldn’t you move him if a team is calling offering anything for someone you are going to cut this offseason
But it is what it is I guess 😂
— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) November 9, 2026
Cole Deruse offered a blunt assessment of Jones’ trade value, saying, “He has no trade value, lol. The guy is not good.”
@TomPelissero @ringer @netflixsports @Spotify he has no trade value lol the guy is not good
— HBTC (@hbtCHIEFS) November 9, 2026
Meanwhile, “Chicago Bears Now” host Harrison Graham joked about the situation, writing, “Translation: ‘Hey Daniel, no one wants you and that contract.’”
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NFL analyst Connor Whitney was equally frustrated, remarking, “This is a sick joke.”
Jones’ Contract Could Explain Colts’ Decision
Jones signed a two-year, $88 million extension with Indianapolis in the offseason, making his contract an important part of the decision. Keeping him through the season could give the Colts more flexibility as they evaluate their quarterback situation for 2027.
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His contract reportedly includes $38 million due next year, with only $10.5 million guaranteed for injury until March. That structure could leave Indianapolis with more options in the offseason, even if its decision to keep Jones for now remains puzzling.
Jones isn’t the only Colts player drawing trade interest ahead of the deadline, though.
Star running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Josh Downs have also been mentioned as players other teams are targeting, leaving Indianapolis with some big decisions to make about its roster.