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stephen holder
multiple authors
indianapolis-the indianapolis colts The impending free agent quarterback has taken the first step toward ensuring Daniel Jones A rarely used transition tag on the veteran.
This tag guarantees the Colts the right of first refusal for Jones, reserving the right to match any competing offer sheet he may sign with any interested club. The news comes ahead of Tuesday’s deadline to assess franchise or transition tags on players who are due to hit free agency next week.
If Jones does not sign a competitive offer sheet, he will earn a one-year guaranteed salary of $37.833 million.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard said last week that contract negotiations are underway with Jones and another major free agent, receiver Alec PierceWere progressing well. He called the franchise tag (and, presumably, the transition tag) “a tool we have. However, it’s not what we want to do.”
He adds, “When both parties are motivated to make it happen, it usually works out well.”
While the franchise tag is often used several times each year, the transition tag is used with much less frequency. No quarterback has been tagged with a transition tag since ESPN Research began tracking such moves in 2000. Only 20 players have been given the transition tag since then (though several were voided), with protection kyle duggar This is in 2024 at the latest.
Often, players reach an agreement with their team after being tagged. Only four players have played a full season under the transition tag with a running back since 2000 kenyan drake The latest is in 2020.
Jones revived his career with the Colts in 2025, leading Indianapolis to new heights with his record-setting offensive performance during the first half of the season. During 10 weeks, when the Colts were 8–2, Jones led the NFL in passing yards and was in the top six in completion percentage and yards per attempt. But a hairline fibula fracture in his left foot negatively impacted his performance in the following weeks, with Jones suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in his right foot in Week 14.
That injury has probably complicated negotiations with Jones, who has several months of rehabilitation remaining before he is cleared to return to the field.
Meanwhile, the decision to tag Jones has a direct impact on Pierce, who is now on pace to reach unrestricted free agency as arguably the top available wide receiver if he is not re-signed before March 11. Representatives of Pierce and other impending free agents can begin negotiations with other clubs on Monday.
with dallas cowboys Electing to use franchise tag on receiver george pickensPierce is likely to attract even more interest. The NFL leader in yards per catch in each of the last two seasons, Pierce surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in 2025 despite ranking fourth among Colts players in targets.
