Colts Place Transition Tag, Leaving Michael Pittman Jr in Offensive Plans
The Indianapolis Colts placed the transition tag on starting quarterback Daniel Jones before last Tuesday’s deadline, keeping Jones under team control for 2026 and shaping offseason roster decisions. The move affects the Colts’ offense, which still lists Jonathan Taylor, Alec Pierce, michael pittman jr, Tyler Warren and Josh Downs among its skill players.
Daniel Jones Contract Talks
The Colts’ initial proposal to Jones matched the scale of Sam Darnold’s three-year, $100. 5 million deal, while Jones and his camp countered seeking $50 million per year. Jones is rehabbing from a torn Achilles that will cost him most, if not all, of his offseason, and the team chose the transition tag instead of a franchise tag before the deadline.
Michael Pittman Jr and Colts Skill Group
The Colts’ projected receiving group lists Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr, Tyler Warren and Josh Downs alongside Alec Pierce, who agreed to re-sign with the team on Monday, March 9. Pierce’s 1, 000-yard season and league-leading 21. 3 yards per catch figure were cited as reasons he remains a core downfield threat, and michael pittman jr stays part of that mix.
Colts Cap Figures and Tag Details
The transition tender applied to Jones carries a $37. 833 million figure, while the 2026 quarterback franchise tag was $43. 895 million. The discussion included a possible 2027 transition amount of $45. 4 million if Jones posts a strong season, making the team’s choice of the lower transition tag a notable cap decision.
Free agency negotiating opened at 12: 00 pm ET on Monday, March 9, and contracts cannot become official until after 4: 00 pm ET Wednesday, the start of the new league year. If Jones signs an offer sheet with another team, the Colts would have five days to match that offer.
