Colts Reporter Reveals Daniel Jones Replacement Plan (And Fans Won’t Love It): Pivoting to Malik Willis?

As the Indianapolis Colts limp toward their Week 18 season finale against the Houston Texans on January 4, 2026, with an 8-8 record and playoff hopes long extinguished, the quarterback position has once again become the franchise’s most pressing concern. Starting quarterback Daniel Jones, who resurrected his career in Indianapolis after a messy exit from the New York Giants, suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars—an injury that ended his season and cast significant doubt on his future with the team.

Jones, playing on a one-year, $14 million prove-it deal, had been a revelation early in 2025, leading the Colts to an 8-2 start and earning MVP chatter with efficient play in Shane Steichen’s system (68% completion, 3,101 yards, 19 TDs, 8 INTs in 13 games). But the late-season collapse, compounded by injuries to Jones and others, has shifted focus to 2026—and one Colts beat reporter’s suggestion for replacing him has sparked outrage among fans.

James Boyd of The Athletic, in a December 31, 2025, tweet and subsequent discussion, floated the idea of pursuing Green Bay Packers backup Malik Willis as a potential offseason target. Willis, a pending free agent after thriving in spot duty for the Packers (including strong performances that have some Green Bay fans clamoring for more), could be a cheaper, healthier alternative to re-signing the recovering Jones.

Boyd noted: “Willis is a free agent this coming offseason and will be healthy to participate in minicamp, training camp, and Week 1 of the 2026 season. Daniel Jones is unlikely to be fully healed from Achilles tendon surgery… and could miss several games at the start of next year.”

This wouldn’t be the right fix—for a fanbase desperate for stability after years of quarterback musical chairs since Andrew Luck’s retirement.

Daniel Jones’ 2025 Rollercoaster: From Savior to Injured Free Agent

Jones arrived in Indianapolis as a low-risk, high-upside signing after being benched and released by the Giants in 2024. He beat out third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson in training camp, earning the starting job and delivering immediate results.

Under Steichen—a coach known for elevating mobile QBs like Jalen Hurts—Jones thrived early, showcasing improved decision-making, accuracy, and pocket presence. The Colts’ offense ranked among the league’s best through Week 10, with Jones protecting the ball and making plays with his legs when needed.

But injuries derailed everything. Jones played through a fractured fibula in his left leg before the catastrophic Achilles tear in his right. Post-surgery updates indicate a 6-8 month recovery timeline, potentially allowing him to be cleared for training camp—but full readiness for Week 1 remains uncertain.

Despite this, multiple reports (including from ESPN’s Stephen Holder and Adam Schefter) suggest the Colts’ regime—GM Chris Ballard and Steichen—plans to re-sign Jones in the spring, viewing him as their long-term solution. Sources indicate optimism about a quick recovery and a belief that Jones can replicate his early-2025 success.

Yet Boyd’s Willis suggestion highlights a contingency: If Jones’ market heats up (teams like Minnesota or Pittsburgh could pursue him), or if recovery lags, the Colts might pivot to a budget-friendly option with upside.

Why Malik Willis? The Case That Has Fans Fuming

Malik Willis, the 2022 third-round pick by Tennessee, struggled early in his career but has shown flashes in Green Bay behind Jordan Love. In limited action, he’s displayed elite athleticism, a strong arm, and improved processing—traits reminiscent of revived QBs like Sam Darnold or even Jones himself under a strong coach.

Pros for Willis in Indianapolis:

• Cost-Effective: Projected as a mid-tier free agent ($5-10M/year range), far cheaper than a post-injury Jones extension (potentially $20-30M+ annually, or a franchise tag north of $46M).
• Mobility Fit: Willis’ running ability aligns with Steichen’s RPO-heavy scheme.
• Youth and Upside: At 26, he’s younger than Jones (28) and fully healthy for offseason activities.
• Availability: Ready for OTAs, minicamp, and training camp—critical for a team needing immediate QB stability.

Boyd’s point: Willis could “bridge” or compete while Jones recovers, or even emerge as the starter if he clicks in Steichen’s system.

But fans aren’t buying it. Social media erupted with criticism:

• “Malik Willis over proven Daniel Jones? Hard pass.”
• “We’ve seen enough backup QB experiments—give Jones the extension he earned!”
• “This is why we’re stuck in mediocrity—always cheaping out at QB.”

The backlash stems from Willis’ inconsistent track record: High turnover tendencies in Tennessee, limited sample size in Green Bay. Many view him as a high-risk gamble, not a reliable replacement for a QB who just carried the team to contender status.

The Broader QB Picture: Richardson, Draft Limitations, and Regime Uncertainty

Complicating matters is Anthony Richardson, the 2023 No. 4 overall pick. Benched in favor of Jones, Richardson suffered an orbital fracture in pregame warmups and remains on IR. He’s under contract for 2026 (with a fifth-year option decision looming), but his future in Indy is murky—trade bait? Backup? Starter if Jones departs?

The Colts lack first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 after trading for cornerback Sauce Gardner, limiting draft options for a blue-chip QB. The 2026 class is considered weak anyway.

Insiders like Schefter and Holder report the front office wants to “run it back” with healthy players, including re-signing Jones. But owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s endorsement is unclear amid the late-season collapse, fueling speculation about potential regime change.

Fan Reaction and Why This “Fix” Falls Flat

Colts fans, weary from the post-Luck QB carousel (Rivers, Wentz, Ryan, Minshew, Flacco, Richardson, Jones), saw real hope in Jones’ play. Suggesting a downgrade to Willis feels like regression—prioritizing cost over proven production.

Alternatives floated elsewhere (Joe Flacco return, Mac Jones trade, veteran bridges) haven’t gained traction. Most fans demand commitment to Jones: A multi-year deal, even with injury risk, to build continuity.

Boyd’s idea, while pragmatic given cap realities ($47M projected space) and recovery timelines, ignores the emotional investment in Jones’ redemption story.

Looking Ahead: Week 18 and the Offseason Crucible

The Colts close out against Houston with rookie Riley Leonard or veteran Philip Rivers under center—hardly inspiring for a fanbase craving stability.

Come March, decisions loom: Re-sign Jones (likely the preference), explore Willis or others as insurance, or blow it up?

One thing’s clear—this “replacement plan” highlighting Willis has only amplified frustration. Fans want the QB who sparked hope, not a speculative pivot.

For a franchise perpetually one QB away, settling for less won’t cut it.