The Indianapolis Colts are undoubtedly in for an interesting offseason in 2026. Much of the talk surrounding the team’s plans following the current campaign involves the quarterback position. Daniel Jones has excelled in Indy following his one-year, $14 million deal ahead of the 2025 season.
The former New York Giant, however, suffered an unfortunate Achilles injury in early December and is expected to miss at least a significant portion of 2026. Although he is soon set to be a free agent and coming off a serious injury, the Colts are likely to bring back the QB on a new deal. Despite this, Indianapolis obviously cannot count on Jones to be healthy for the start of the 2026 season.
Team management obviously does not want to rely on Anthony Richardson in the future. The former first-round pick is likely headed out of Indy, and it would be extremely surprising if the team brought back 44-year-old Philip Rivers. If true, the Colts are going to have to bring in a new quarterback. One seemingly great option for Indianapolis would be to trade for San Francisco 49ers backup Mac Jones.
Acquiring Mac Jones Would Give Indianapolis Colts a Solid Safety Blanket
GettyThe Indianapolis Colts would likely have to offer a second-round pick to get Mac Jones.
Jones has performed well in the Bay Area, filling in for the injured Brock Purdy in 2025. In 10 total appearances, Mac Jones has 13 touchdowns against just six interceptions. He has also posted a completion rate of 70% while guiding the 49ers to five wins in eight starts. On top of these stats, Jones is also owed only $3.25 million in 2026.
These two factors would surely be very enticing to the Colts. Bringing in the other Jones would give the team a solid safety blanket for the injured Daniel Jones. Mac could come into Indy and essentially hold down the fort until Daniel is healthy enough to play.
While the move would make a ton of sense for the Colts, they may have a hard time convincing the 49ers to let go of Jones. According to The Athletic, Kyle Shanahan rates his current backup quarterback very highly. Because of this, Indianapolis may have to put up a serious offer to get Mac. Centering a potential deal around a second-round pick would likely at least make San Francisco consider the proposal.
Worst-Case Scenario Could Put Colts in an Advantageous Position for 2027 Draft
Assuming the Colts can acquire Mac Jones, the team would then have multiple ways to look at its future. If he plays well, Indianapolis would likely be interested in rewarding Jones with a contract extension. This would give the team two solid options at the position going forward.
If Mac underperforms in Indy, it would not cost the team very much money. Because the Colts are on the cusp of a playoff spot, they are unlikely to be able to pick a highly-rated quarterback at the 2026 NFL draft.
However, the 2027 draft is expected to be filled with top quarterback prospects. In fact, some are already calling it one of the best quarterback classes ever. The Colts could find themselves in a position to grab a true generational QB if they fail in 2026.
Indianapolis Colts receive: Mac Jones
San Francisco 49ers receive: 2nd-round pick
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