Daniel Jones Colts contract vs. Giants: How historic deal with Indianapolis compares to giant New York extension

The Colts already made their interest in a Daniel Jones reunion known, placing the transition tag on the quarterback while continuing to negotiate for a longer-term deal.

The franchise's decision to seek a transition tag -- which cost significantly less than a non-exclusive franchise tag but allowed Jones to walk for free -- was a deliberate one. Indianapolis risked losing Jones for nothing. But its front office was confident negotiations would work out positively.

That sentiment served as a premonition. On Wednesday, Jones and the Colts agreed on terms for a record-setting two-year contract.

Jones' contract will see him earn a minimum of $88 million over the next two seasons. Much of that total is guaranteed, while he could push into another stratosphere should he reach some of his incentives.

Jones is used to glitzy deals. He's only four years removed from his last major contract, a four-year agreement with the Giants that proved memorable for all the wrong reasons.

So, just how do his Indianapolis figures compare to the ones he flaunted in the Big Apple? Here's what you need to know.

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Daniel Jones Giants contract

• Years: Four
• Value: $160 million

In the final year of his rookie deal, Jones led the Giants to their first postseason berth since 2022. He was summarily rewarded with a glistening four-year contract ahead of the 2023 season that saw him earn $40 million average annual value (AAV). That made him the joint-10th highest-paid quarterback in the league upon his signing, level with Dak Prescott and Matthew Stafford.

Jones' contract came with several wrinkles. New York structured Jones' deal in a way to absorb a relatively small cap hit of $15.4 million in the first year of his contract. Jones' cap hit ballooned beyond $40 million in each of the final three years of his deal, including an unpalatable $58.6 million in 2026.

In 2023, Jones was cut down by a torn ACL, spelling an end to a six-game campaign that saw him record 909 passing yards and two touchdowns to six interceptions.

Jones returned to the field in 2024 but failed to make much of an impact. After being benched in favor of Tommy DeVito, Jones requested a release. The Giants granted his plea, setting the stage for a move to the Vikings. Ahead of the 2025 season, Jones signed with Indianapolis.

MORE: Why Colts handed Daniel Jones largest two-year deal in NFL history

Daniel Jones Colts contract

• Years: Two
• Value: $88 million

One week after placing a transition tag on Jones, the Colts locked him up to a longer-term deal, agreeing on terms to a two-year, $88 million contract with their hurler, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The deal features $60 million in guaranteed money and could swell to $100 million in total value if he achieves certain bonuses.

Jones' contract will see him earn $50 million the first season, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. His latest deal is the largest two-year contract in league history. It also provides Indianapolis an opportunity to see how Jones looks upon returning from a torn Achilles, his second major injury in three seasons.

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Daniel Jones career earnings

Jones' career earnings total will soar beyond $200 million upon the conclusion of his latest deal. At just 28 years old, he should have an opportunity to add to that mark beyond this contract -- assuming he can keep his strong performances going, of course.

Here's a breakdown of his career earnings over the years.

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