Could the Colts really bench Daniel Jones?

Posted by Admin June 6, 2026 NFL

Anything is possible. Let’s get that out of the way. Daniel Jones isn’t the second coming of Peyton Manning. Let’s get that out of the way too. With that said, a recent take on Bleacher Report has Jones listed as one of eight quarterbacks most likely to be benched in 2026. This isn’t to say Jones will for sure ride the pine for the Indianapolis Colts at some point this season, but he is saying there is a chance. Is he right?

Anything is possible. Did I already say that? Jones has had his share of ups and downs. The New York Giants grew tired of his inconsistent play, the turnovers, and the injuries. He didn’t have enough appeal for the Vikings to truly get into the bidding war for his services last year either. One playoff appearance and quite a few losing seasons mar his name. Jones is far from perfect, but the Colts rewarded him handsomely for his efforts with a contract that could be up to $100 million over the next two years. There is an out, but would they eat the money and sit him midseason if things go sideways?

Shane Steichen isn’t afraid to send a message. Anthony Richardson and Adonai Mitchell were both benched and never got back into good favor. They are both younger than Jones, who appears to have a more refined professionalism about him, but that doesn’t mean he is safe. If his play is truly deplorable, his saving grace is that there is no one behind him to take his spot.

Past confidence from Steichen in both Richardson and Riley Leonard is tepid at best. That could change with a good offseason, but that is Jones’ best route at keeping his job, regardless of performance. Once again, he is expensive. Teams hate to put the most expensive person on the roster on the sidelines, but check with Kirk Cousins to see if a team would do that. The NFL is a cutthroat business. Jobs are on the line. If Jones starts the year out losing five or six of the first seven games and looks totally lost, the heat from up top might be enough for Steichen to pull the trigger if he lasts that long himself.

Anything is possible. Daniel Jones’ career indicates he isn’t a lock even if the Colts are paying him like one. The depth behind him is shallow, and he may be too expensive to fail. Many hopes and dreams are riding on his repaired Achilles. Just because he holds the keys, that doesn’t mean he gets to drive this bus into a wall without Shane Steichen grabbing the wheel. Anything is possible though, especially with the Colts.