Chris Ballard: Franchise tag is a tool we have, but not one we want to use
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The Colts aim to retain key offensive pending free agents quarterback Daniel Jones and receiver Alec Pierce, preferring not to use the franchise tag but keeping it as an option if needed.
- General Manager Chris Ballard described negotiations with both players' agents as "very positive" and emphasized the importance of the scouting combine week for gauging market interest.
- Daniel Jones, who stabilized the Colts' quarterback position with a 68% completion rate and 3,101 yards before a torn Achilles injury, is a priority for retention.
- Alec Pierce, a second-round pick in 2022, has led the league in yards per reception for two consecutive seasons and recorded a career-high 1,003 receiving yards in 2025.
