Why the number 88 million will define Colts' 2026 NFL season

[ASFN Admin]

What figure will define the Indianapolis Colts' 2026 season? NFL.com analyst Matt Okada says 88 million -- as in 88 million dollars.

That, of course, is the total contract value that the Colts are paying Daniel Jones over the next two seasons.

As Okada notes, the Colts' level of success in 2026 will be determined by Jones' play.

"His much-discussed two-year contract was inked just 94 days after he tore his Achilles in December," Okada wrote. "The two big questions? Will Jones be healthy to start the season, and if he is, will he play like he did early last season, when the Colts won seven of their first eight games? If so, the deal could go from dicey to discount very quickly."

In regard to Okada's first question, Jones says that he will "absolutely" be ready for Week 1. He was already participating in 7-on-7 action during minicamp, although there are still some hurdles in the recovery process to navigate.

Okada's second question is much more unknown. Through 10 games, the Colts were 8-2 and boasted one of the highest-scoring offenses in football, with Jones one of the most productive passers in the game.

That said, even before Jones' Achilles injury in Jacksonville, the offense had begun to slow down a bit after its red-hot start.

This upcoming season hinges on Jones' ability to return to that previous form. The Colts are banking on it.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: The defining number for the Indianapolis Colts 2026 NFL season

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