What Happened to Daniel Stephen Jones III?
Daniel Jones is an American professional football quarterback who was drafted by the New York Giants in 2019. After an inconsistent tenure marked by injuries and a significant contract, he was released by the Giants in 2024. He then joined the Indianapolis Colts in 2025, where he experienced a resurgence before suffering a torn Achilles in December 2025, and is currently negotiating a long-term contract with the Colts after being transition tagged in March 2026.
Quick Answer
Daniel Jones is currently the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, having been placed on a $37.833 million transition tag by the team in March 2026. He is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in December 2025, which ended his 2025 season. Jones and the Colts are actively negotiating a long-term deal, with reports indicating a significant gap between his reported demand of around $50 million per year and the Colts' offer of approximately $41.62 million annually.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Charlotte, North Carolina
Daniel Stephen Jones III was born in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Redshirted at Duke University
Jones redshirted his first year at Duke before becoming the starting quarterback in 2016.
Drafted by New York Giants
Daniel Jones was selected by the New York Giants as the sixth overall pick in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Rookie Season with Giants
In his rookie year, Jones appeared in 13 games, throwing for 3,027 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Placed on Injured Reserve with Neck Injury
Jones suffered a neck injury in Week 12 against the Eagles, ending his 2021 season and missing the final five games.
Leads Giants to Playoffs
Jones led the New York Giants to their first playoff appearance since 2016 and secured a Wild Card victory, setting career highs in completions, passing yards, and passer rating.
Signs $160 Million Extension with Giants
Following his successful 2022 season, Jones signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension with the New York Giants.
Suffers Torn ACL, Ends Season
Jones sustained a torn ACL in his right knee during a Week 9 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, ending his 2023 season after only six games.
Released by New York Giants
After being benched, Daniel Jones requested and was granted his release from the New York Giants, ending his nearly six-season tenure with the team.
Signed to Minnesota Vikings Practice Squad
Jones was signed to the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad after clearing waivers.
Signs with Indianapolis Colts
Jones signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts, where he later beat out Anthony Richardson for the starting job.
Suffers Torn Achilles, Ends Colts Season
Jones suffered a season-ending torn right Achilles tendon in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, concluding his successful 2025 season with the Colts.
Colts Place Transition Tag on Jones
The Indianapolis Colts placed the transition tag on Daniel Jones, a one-year, $37.833 million deal, giving them the right to match any offer he receives.
Reports Emerge of $50M/Year Contract Demand
Reports indicate Daniel Jones is seeking a long-term deal worth around $50 million per year from the Colts, while the team's offer is closer to $41.62 million annually.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Daniel Jones' professional football career began in 2019 when he was selected sixth overall by the New York Giants in the NFL Draft after a successful college career at Duke University. His rookie season showed promise, as he threw for over 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns. However, his tenure with the Giants was characterized by inconsistent performance, frequent fumbles, and a series of significant injuries, including a high-ankle sprain in 2019, hamstring and ankle issues in 2020, and a neck injury that ended his 2021 season prematurely.
A brief resurgence occurred in 2022, where Jones led the Giants to their first playoff appearance since 2016 and secured a Wild Card victory. This performance led to him signing a four-year, $160 million contract extension with the Giants in March 2023. However, the 2023 season was again marred by injury, as he suffered another neck injury and then a season-ending torn ACL in November 2023, playing only six games.
The consequences of his injuries and performance struggles led to a pivotal turning point in November 2024 when Jones was benched and subsequently released by the Giants. He briefly joined the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad before signing a one-year, $14 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts in March 2025.
With the Colts in 2025, Jones experienced a significant career resurgence, throwing for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 13 starts, leading the team to an 8-2 record before his season was cut short. Unfortunately, his comeback was interrupted by another major injury in December 2025, when he suffered a torn Achilles tendon, ending his season.
As of March 10, 2026, Jones' current status is complex. The Indianapolis Colts placed a transition tag on him, valued at $37.833 million for the 2026 season, giving them the right to match any offer he receives from other teams. While recovering from his Achilles injury, Jones is reportedly seeking a long-term contract in the range of $50 million per year. The Colts, however, have reportedly offered a deal closer to $41.62 million annually, similar to Sam Darnold's recent contract. Negotiations are ongoing, with a deadline of July 15, 2026, for a long-term extension.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Daniel Stephen Jones III made different choices?