The transition tag is seldom used in the NFL - Daniel Jones has become the first NFL quarterback to be given the tag since at least 2000. New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger was the last player to be given the transition tag in 2024.
The transition tag saves the Indianapolis Colts at least $6 million as opposed to the franchise tag, but gives Jones the opportunity to sign a competing offer sheet. With the transition tag, the Colts can match any offer Jones receives.
The transition tag often leads to a contract extension; only four players have played an entire season under the transition tag since 2000, with running back Kenyan Drake in 2020 the latest.
Following five-and-a-half tumultuous years with the New York Giants and half a year with the Minnesota Vikings, Daniel Jones revived his career in Indianapolis in 2025. The former Duke Blue Devil had a 7-1 start with the Colts, during which he threw 13 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions.
The Colts' season derailed soon thereafter, however. An injured Daniel Jones, who broke his fibula against the Titans in Week 8, regressed and threw 6 TDs and 5 INTs in the next five games, of which the Colts won just one.
Daniel Jones' season ended prematurely in a Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, in which the quarterback tore his Achilles tendon.
Alec Pierce walks
The Indianapolis Colts' decision to place the transition tag on Daniel Jones means wide receiver Alec Pierce is now expected to hit free agency as an unrestricted free agent.
The former Cincinnati Bearcat led the Colts with 1,003 receiving yards in 2025, while his 21.3 yards per reception was a league-high last season.
The 25-year-old Pierce was picked with the 43rd pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. In his four seasons in Indiana, Pierce recorded 2,934 receiving yards and 17 receiving touchdowns in 64 games (55 starts).
