The Indianapolis Colts made the first blockbuster trade of NFL trade deadline day, sending two first-round picks and wide receiver AD Mitchell to the New York Jets in exchange for cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Not only does this trade made the already-great Colts even better entering the second half of the season, it also provides insight to what their long-term plan is at quarterback. As Zak Keefer of The Athletic points out, it seems very apparent that the Colts plan to roll forward with Daniel Jones for the long-term future.
"Another layer to this Colts' trade: you don't give up 1st-round picks each of the next two years if you think you're gonna be in the market for a QB," Keefer writes on X. "This indicates ownership/Ballard/Steichen are sold on Daniel Jones moving forward."
Jones is having an excellent season. He has 14 touchdown passes to six interceptions, and three of those six picks came in one poor game against the Steelers in Week 9. His passer rating sits just under 102, and the Colts' offense is the best in the NFL. Jones has proven to be a capable starter in Shane Steichen's offense, and it appears the Colts believe that, as well.
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