Daniel Jones Set to Cash In: "Money Will Follow" If He Keeps This Up, But For Now It's All About Winning

"Daniel Jones is playing at an elite level, but what will it cost the Colts to keep him after this breakout season?"

Daniel Jones is not just playing well — he's playing at a historic level, and

the Indianapolis Colts are reaping the rewards. The Colts' offense, now one of the best in the NFL, owes much of its success to Jones' remarkable efficiency. On a one-year,

$14 million deal, Jones has proven to be one of the top quarterbacks in the league this season, leading the charge for an offense that’s averaging 33 points per game
— a 50% increase from last season.

“If I keep playing at this level, the money will follow. But right now, it’s about staying focused on winning, keeping the offense rolling, and helping the team get to the playoffs — everything else will take care of itself.”

– Daniel Jones, Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts.

Jones’ stats are simply off the charts this season. He ranks:

1st in EPA/play
1st in success rate
5th in EPA+CPOE composite
8th in passer rating
6th in completion percentage
4th in yards per attempt
Tied for 3rd in 40+ yard pass plays

His impressive efficiency is a big reason why the Colts have gone from a struggling offense to the

best in the league. But with all this success, the burning question is: What will the Colts need to pay him after the season if he continues this level of play?

The Stakes Are High

Jones has undoubtedly earned a massive raise, but the Colts face a delicate decision. Tua Tagovailoa, Brock Purdy, and Trevor Lawrence all signed major contracts recently after playing at a similar level to Jones. The Colts may have to compete with top-tier quarterback deals if they’re going to keep him in Indy.

The Colts are currently looking at three potential contract paths:

Contract 1: 5 years, $280 million ($56M per year), $175 million guaranteed
Contract 2: 3 years, $130 million
($43.3M per year), $60 million guaranteed
Contract 3: 1 year, $46.1 million (projected Franchise Tag)

While Jones could push for a long-term deal like Tagovailoa or Lawrence, a

short-term deal may be more in line with the Colts’ salary cap and roster flexibility. A three-year, $130 million deal with an opt-out after two years could offer the right balance for both sides.

Jones’ Importance to the Team

The Colts’ offense has been revitalized under Jones’ leadership. Last season, with Joe Flacco and Anthony Richardson splitting starts, the Colts averaged only 22 points per game

. With Jones, that number has soared to 33 — a remarkable transformation. His ability to execute play action and quick rhythms has been key to unlocking the full potential of the offense, including helping

Jonathan Taylor return to MVP-caliber form.

Jones has developed excellent chemistry with Shane Steichen, and the two have created an offense tailored to his strengths. His performance has not only improved the passing game but also balanced the attack, giving the Colts a much-needed edge.

What’s Next for the Colts?

As impressive as Jones has been, the Colts can’t afford to pay him top-tier money just yet. While he’s playing at an elite level, there are still questions about his consistency over a full season. The Colts are in a position to franchise Jones if needed, but they must be careful not to overcommit to a long-term deal that might not fully reflect his long-term potential.

Ultimately, the Colts have a decision to make — one that could shape their future for years to come. Daniel Jones has proven that he deserves a massive raise, but how much will the Colts be willing to pay to keep him?

The answer could determine their success for the next decade.

Canadiens Coach Reacts to Patrik Laine’s Long-Term Injury: “A Huge Blow, But We’ll Adapt”

"Montreal faces tough road ahead as Laine is set to miss 3-4 months after surgery."

The Montreal Canadiens have been hit with devastating news: Patrik Laine, the team's talented winger, will miss the next three to four months after undergoing surgery to repair a core muscle injury. This marks the second consecutive season that Laine’s campaign has been derailed by a significant injury, and the timing couldn’t be worse for both the player and the team.

Head Coach of the Canadiens, Martin St. Louis, reacted to the news with a mixture of frustration and resolve, acknowledging the loss but stressing the importance of adaptation. “Losing Patrik for an extended period of time is a huge blow for us. He’s a key player, and we’ll miss his offensive ability and leadership on the ice. But we’re a team, and we’ll have to adapt. Our focus now is on supporting Patrik through his recovery, and when he’s ready to return, we’ll be here to welcome him back. In the meantime, we need others to step up and help fill the gap,”

St. Louis said in his post-practice remarks.

This injury comes just as Laine was beginning to find his rhythm with the Canadiens, after a frustrating first season with the team. Last season, he missed significant time due to a preseason knee injury, and while he made a strong return, his performance waned in the latter part of the season and during the playoffs, where he was injured again in their series against

Washington.

While Laine was able to make it through training camp healthy, the current season has not been kind. He was already struggling with limited ice time, having been relegated to fourth-line minutes after starting on the second line. In just

five games, Laine managed only one assist and was averaging a career-low 12:36 in ice time. After seeking a second opinion, the severity of his injury was confirmed, leading to the surgery and subsequent long-term absence.

Laine's Determination to Return
Despite the setback, Laine remains determined to return stronger than ever. “It’s frustrating, of course, but I’m going to do everything I can to get back on the ice as soon as possible. I’ve been through injuries before, and I know the process. I’ll focus on my recovery, and when I’m healthy again, I’ll be ready to contribute to the team’s success. It’s not ideal, but I’m determined to come back stronger,”

Laine said.

The injury not only affects the Canadiens’ lineup but also Laine’s future. With this being a contract year, the long-term absence is expected to impact his value on the open market. Laine currently carries an

$8.7 million cap hit with Montreal, but missing more than half the season could push his hopes for a big payday out of reach. A one-year contract with performance incentives could be the best route for him, allowing him to prove his worth while minimizing risk for potential suitors.

Montreal’s Next Steps
For the Canadiens, the focus now shifts to the next man up. With Laine out for months, they’ll need other players to step up in his absence.

Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Josh Anderson will be counted on to contribute more offensively, and it’s a time for the team to rally together. With over $4 million

in cap space, the Canadiens may also look to add a piece through the trade market to fill the void left by Laine.

Despite the tough situation, St. Louis remains optimistic that the team can overcome this challenge:

“We’ve got a lot of depth, and this is where we see the character of the team. Everyone needs to elevate their game. We’ve dealt with adversity before, and we’ll do it again. The focus is on moving forward and making sure we stay competitive.”

As the season continues without one of their top players, the Canadiens will need to adapt quickly to keep their playoff hopes alive. Laine’s absence is significant, but his eventual return could provide the spark needed to push the team toward success.

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