Potential quarterback options for the 2026 season continue to dwindle for the Pittsburgh Steelers. On Wednesday, just hours before the official start of free agency, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the Indianapolis Colts are finalizing a deal that will keep their starting quarterback in Indy.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that it's a two-year, $88 million deal for Jones worth up to $100 million in total earnings. Despite suffering a devistating Achilles injury in the second half of the season, the Colts were willing to pay top dollar to keep their signal caller around.
And just like that, another option is off the table for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
This wasn't unexpected, by any means. Most in NFL circles expected the Colts to retain Jones. But there was at least a chance the veteran would hit the market, and the Steelers could throw the veteran an offer sheet.
Jones' signing comes after its been announced that quarterback Malik Willis will be joining the Miami Dolphins, while Tua Tagovailoa is heading to the Atlanta Falcons. The Jones signing makes an already thin free-agent pool even thinner.
And the Steelers might be down to just two remaining options at the position in free agency.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are holding out hope for Aaron Rodgers or Kyler Murray
Just like this time last year, the prize—at least in the mind of Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers—seems to be Aaron Rodgers. Don't ask why. Though he had a serviceable season in 2025, Rodgers didn't move the needle much with his league-low average depth of target and quickest time to throw.
Now the Steelers are putting their eggs in this basket again, hoping the 42-year-old will join them for another season in 2026.
The only other respectable option on the market is Kyler Murray, who the team plans to officially release on Wednesday. Murray is undersized and doesn't feel like the best scheme fit with Mike McCarthy's offense. Over the past four seasons, the No. 1 pick in 2019 has struggled with injuries and consistency when on the field.
Murray, 28, feels like the better option of the two. At least this signing would inspire a sense of hope and change. But both could miss the mark of getting this team back in form as playoff contenders.
If all else fails, the Steelers could roll the dice with 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, whom McCarthy is vocally high on.
Daniel Jones was never going to sign in Pittsburgh, but his return to the Colts makes a depleted quarterback pool in free agency look even worse. The Steelers are in a bad situation if they have to hope that Aaron Rodgers or Kyler Murray can save their 2026 season.