The Indianapolis Colts want Daniel Jones back, and Daniel Jones wants back with the Colts.
So why is the franchise tag still in play — with Tom Pelissero recently reporting that it was an option?
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Teams can use the franchise tag on pending free agents once per offseason to prevent them from hitting the open market.
The franchise tag is essentially a one-year deal if applied. The contract amount is predetermined and takes into account the position played by the marked player.
According to Over the Cap, “Franchise tag numbers are based on the top five salaries at each position.”
Why are the Colts tagging Daniel Jones?
While the Colts and Jones hope to reach a new deal, determining the length and amount of the deal could be an obstacle after Jones’ serious injury.
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That being said, Ballard has said he’s “confident” in Jones’ ability to recover and bounce back from his Achilles injury.
This is where the franchise tag comes into play. If used, it would essentially extend the negotiation window.
The two sides don’t need to reach an agreement before free agency begins on March 9, and Jones will leave the open market, allowing him and the Colts to continue negotiations without the involvement of other teams.
In 2024, we see the Colts do just that under Michael Pittman. The franchise tag was applied and about a week later, the extension was granted.
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So, my guess is that if the franchise tag is used, the goal is not to have Jones only signed through the 2026 season — that’s not what Jones wants, and it’s not a cap-friendly option for the Colts.
Instead, a franchise tag may be part of the process of reaching a multi-year agreement.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wired: Colts Free Agency: Is Daniel Jones a Franchise Tag Candidate?
