Colts GM gives crucial update on QB Daniel Jones, WR Alec Pierce
The Indianapolis Colts have crucial decisions ahead this offseason, which will begin with working out new deals for quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce.
General manager Chris Ballard voiced optimism that the team can retain Jones and Pierce on new contracts in the coming weeks.
“It’s been very positive,” Ballard said via ESPN. “When both sides are driven to get it done, it usually works out in the right way. We’re driven, they’re driven.”
Jones and Pierce proved last season that they are significant pieces to the Colts’ offensive identity. Pierce excelled in his first year alongside Jones, posting career-best numbers with 47 receptions for 1,003 receiving yards while leading the league with 21.3 yards per catch.
He is a dynamic big-play option that the Colts need to stretch the field in the passing game, while his pairing with Jones proved to be a game-changing connection as the quarterback held a 90.4 quarterback rating when targeting Pierce.
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The Colts hold a strong desire to keep Jones after what he displayed last season in 13 games before suffering a torn Achilles tendon. He threw for 3,101 yards with 19 touchdowns to eight interceptions and held a 100.2 passer rating.
Despite the significant injury, Indianapolis is unwavering in its belief that Jones can return to form and lead the franchise forward.
“The way he prepares how he’s built, I think in the long run, Daniel’s going to be perfectly fine,” Ballard said.
If the Colts choose not to place the franchise tag on either Jones or Pierce, the team can start negotiating new deals on March 9, with free agency beginning two days afterwards.
