After sustaining an Achilles injury, it appears the short tenure in Indianapolis for Daniel Jones will be over once the 2025 season concludes. Jones went down with a non-contact injury, and those types of injuries tend to be season-ending. With him becoming a free agent in 2026, the Colts will likely draft a quarterback in the first round this upcoming offseason. Despite the injury, Jones went on to have the best season statistically as a starting quarterback for an NFL team, so he should be able to receive some type of interest once healthy.
Breaking: Former Giants Quarterback Daniel Jones Suffers Brutal Injury; Next 2026 Potential Teams
Originally selected in the first round, the former Duke product beat out Colts backup Anthony Richardson for the starting role. Jones completed 22 of his 29 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown in his season debut for the Colts this year against the Miami Dolphins. The veteran helped lead the team to their first 3-0 start since 2009, and due to his profound success in Indianapolis, many fans and those across the league have called him “Indiana Jones.”
Unfortunately, the quarterback will need to scavenge a new team this upcoming offseason, but he still has a lot to look forward to. Previously, he was the backup for Sam Darnold during the 2024 campaign, which helped him learn to have a chance to showcase what he did this season. Jones isn’t going to get starting duties for his next team, but these rosters should at least give him a shot to finish what he started in 2025.
Next Possible Destinations
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are having one of the best seasons in a long time. Despite the back-to-back disastrous years, the Panthers have come back to life, including quarterback Bryce Young, who has found his mojo with his pass-catchers after drafting rookie Tetairoa McMillan. There are reports that the Panthers believe in Young again, but they must consider bringing in some competition before offering him a long-term deal in the next few seasons.
It doesn’t mean that the next quarterback they draft or sign will take Young’s job, but if he can’t stay consistent for 2026, then it might be something for the Panthers to consider. While they’ve built somewhat of a capable, ferocious defense, the offense for the Panthers is slowly coming together. Jones could sit out the 2026 season to mentor Young and may find a way to start a few games if Young can’t go.
Las Vegas Raiders
Meanwhile, it’s hard to imagine that the Raiders walk into the 2026 season with Geno Smith as their starting quarterback. Even though there was a lot of hope this past offseason with the new regime of Pete Carroll, it hasn’t gone exactly as planned. After trading away their top receiver, Jakobi Meyers, it means the Raiders are going to rebuild again. Jones isn’t the permanent solution, but it gives the Raiders another option to turn to if Smith continues to crumble in pressured situations.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints will likely draft a quarterback in the first round in April, but they need some sort of veteran presence. They lost that experience in Derek Carr after retiring due to injuries. Between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler, the Saints are too young and need some reliable competition to give this new offense a chance. Daniel Jones could bring this offense back to speed and lead whoever becomes the long-term quarterback in good hands.
The post Breaking: Former Giants Quarterback Suffers Brutal Injury; Next 2026 Potential Teams appeared first on Last Word on NFL.