Trending Now - Colts Transition Tag QB Jones, Explore Options for Pierce

WHO:

Indianapolis Colts

Daniel Jones, quarterback for the Colts

Alec Pierce, wide receiver for the Colts

Chris Ballard, Colts general manager

George Pickens, wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys

Breece Hall, running back for the New York Jets

Kyle Pitts Sr., tight end for the Atlanta Falcons

WHAT:

The Colts placed a transition tag on Daniel Jones on March 5, 2026.

The transition tag guarantees Jones a one-year salary of $37.833 million.

The Colts have the right to match any offer Jones receives from other teams.

If Jones signs with another team and the Colts do not match, the Colts will not receive draft compensation.

The Colts made an aggressive move to re-sign Alec Pierce before the franchise tag deadline but did not tag him, allowing him to enter free agency.

The legal negotiating window for free agency opens on March 9, 2026.

The franchise tag was used on Breece Hall, George Pickens, and Kyle Pitts in 2026.

WHERE:

Indianapolis, Indiana (Colts' location)

Dallas, Texas (Cowboys' location)

New York, New York (Jets' location)

Atlanta, Georgia (Falcons' location)

WHEN:

Transition tag placed on Daniel Jones on March 5, 2026.

Deadline for tagging players was on March 5, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET.

Legal negotiating window for free agency opens on March 9, 2026.

Jones suffered a ruptured Achilles on December 10, 2025.

WHY:

The Colts used the transition tag to retain the right to match any offers for Jones, as they aim to secure him for the 2026 season.

The decision to tag Jones impacts Alec Pierce's free agency status, as the Colts are now focused on negotiating with Jones.

HOW:

The transition tag allows Jones to negotiate with all 31 other NFL teams while giving the Colts the right of first refusal.

The Colts have been in discussions with Jones regarding a long-term contract.

Today, the Indianapolis Colts placed a transition tag on quarterback Daniel Jones, guaranteeing him a one-year salary of $37.833 million while allowing the team to match any offers he receives from other teams. This move comes as the Colts made an aggressive attempt to re-sign wide receiver Alec Pierce before the franchise tag deadline, but ultimately did not tag him, leaving him free to enter the upcoming free agency period starting March 9. Meanwhile, the franchise tag was also used on Breece Hall, George Pickens, and Kyle Pitts, as the Colts continue to navigate their roster decisions following Jones' ruptured Achilles injury last December.