The Indianapolis Colts’ offense will look different for the rest of the 2026 season. Veteran quarterback Daniel Jones is not pleased to see wide receivers Josh Downs and Keenan Allen traded, particularly after both played important roles in the offense’s success. With the two receivers gone, Jones will need to work with returning wideout Alec Pierce and a younger group of pass-catchers.
“I mean, honestly, you’re not happy to see it, right?” Jones said. “You’re a player and you’re going out there competing and doing everything you can to win games. So you’re not happy to see a lot of those decisions, and—but like I said, it’s outside of our control, and our job is to play, be prepared, and play well. So, like I said, we got a lot of trust in the guys coming into those spots, and we’ll be ready to go.”
Jones was selected in the first round and spent much of his career with the New York Giants before joining Indianapolis. He is entering the final year of an $88 million contract signed this past offseason. Although he could play out the deal, the Colts’ roster moves have prompted speculation about whether he might eventually seek a change of scenery.
## Trade Speculation Surrounds Daniel Jones
Indianapolis’ difficult 2–6 start put the veteran quarterback’s future under discussion. The Colts considered trading Jones before the November 10 deadline, and the team was already facing questions about its direction after losing to a previously winless Tennessee Titans team. That same week, Indianapolis fired general manager Chris Ballard.
The Colts had received offers for Jones, who led the offense to a 7–1 start the previous season before sustaining a season-ending injury. Former Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers took over after Jones went down and attempted to guide Indianapolis into the postseason, but the team did not reach a position to control its playoff fate.
Jones had been expected to become a free agent last offseason after initially signing a one-year contract with Indianapolis. Instead, the Colts gave him another opportunity with the new deal. Given the team’s current circumstances and the latest changes to its receiving corps, speculation about his long-term future is likely to continue. A trade demand is only a possibility, however, not a confirmed plan.
If Jones were to leave after the 2026 season, several teams could have reasons to consider him. Each potential destination would depend on its quarterback situation and how the season unfolds.
## Five Potential Destinations for Daniel Jones
### 5. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona’s quarterback room changed after veteran Jacoby Brissett was traded. The Cardinals are left with Gardner Minshew and 2026 draft pick Carson Beck. The team has a potential future starter in Beck, but could need an experienced quarterback if Minshew departs.
Jones might have to compete for an opportunity rather than immediately take over as the starter. Arizona is not currently viewed as a contender, but a move there could give the former Giant a chance to reset his career in a different environment.
### 4. Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young’s future in Carolina may depend in part on how the Panthers perform in the postseason. If the team exits early, it could consider other options rather than extending the young quarterback.
Carolina also has veteran Kenny Pickett on a one-year contract, but Pickett is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. If he leaves and Jones is available, the Panthers could consider bringing Jones in on a one-year deal. That would give the team another experienced option while it evaluates its quarterback plans.
### 3. Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders brought in Kirk Cousins before he was traded back to Minnesota, leaving former first-round pick Fernando Mendoza with major responsibilities. Mendoza is the team’s unquestioned starter, but the situation could change after the 2026 season depending on the Raiders’ results.
If the team struggles to win, it could explore alternatives at quarterback. Jones might be considered as an experienced option if Las Vegas decides it needs competition or a different direction.
### 2. Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams have faced a difficult season, including losing Puka Nacua to injured reserve and dealing with multiple injuries. Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford has considered retirement before, and another challenging season could lead him to reconsider his future.
The Rams drafted Ty Simpson, but Jones could potentially be brought in to compete with the younger quarterback if Stafford retires. Such a move would depend on the Rams’ offseason decisions and their assessment of the quarterback position.
### 1. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta could be one of the more plausible destinations if the Falcons decide to search for a new quarterback. The team signed Tua Tagovailoa in the offseason, but his performance has been inconsistent and he has dealt with health concerns.
Michael Penix Jr. returned from a season-ending injury last year and took over for Tagovailoa, who also faced injuries. If neither quarterback provides the consistency Atlanta needs, the Falcons may have to reassess their plans. Jones could be among the veteran options the team considers.
For now, Jones remains with Indianapolis, and his comments do not confirm that he wants a trade. The Colts’ personnel decisions and the team’s results over the remainder of the season will help determine whether the speculation becomes more serious.
