Daniel Jones received $40 million per season with the Giants.

He now believes he’s a $50 million quarterback.

The Colts quarterback turned down an offer in the range of Sam Darnold’s Seahawks pact — three years, $100.5 million — since he and his camp believed he deserves a deal closer to $50 million per season due to the leverage he would have with a franchise tag, according to Sports Illustrated.

Rather than use the $43.9 million franchise tag on Jones, the Colts pivoted and instead opted for the rarely used transition tag worth $37.8 million.

The transition tag allows Jones to negotiate with other teams and the Colts can match a potential offer, although they receive no compensation should he sign elsewhere.

Indications are the Colts and Jones want to find a way to extend their partnership but, as always, cash rules everything around us.

Jones is looking to cash in after a resurgent first season with Indianapolis, while the Colts are surely factoring in the torn right Achilles he suffered late in the year that will complicate his offseason rehab and possibly his availability for the 2026 season, plus his dip in production as the year went on.

The ex-first-round pick guided the Colts to a 7-1 start while throwing 13 touchdowns to three interceptions, before the Colts went 1-4 while he tossed six touchdowns to five interceptions in that five-game stretch.

SI’s Albert Breer noted that it makes sense for the two parties to find middle ground.

Jones, 28, risks potentially missing out on what could be his last major payday, especially coming of an injury that will affect his preparation for the 2026 season.

He would be setting himself up better for future success by remaining with a team where he’s already established comfortability rather than having to learn a whole new system.

The Colts, meanwhile, could always use the transition tag or franchise tag next season, but by then they may regret having passed up a less-costly deal now since the cap — and quarterback costs — keep rising.

The transition tag allows Jones to sign with other teams by July 21 before he can only negotiate with the Colts, and this year’s free agency class is not all that inspiring.

Green Bay backup quarterback Malik Willis is considered the top option, while Kyler Murray will attempt to revitalize his career somewhere else and Tua Tagovailoa is now on the market after being released by the Dolphins on Monday morning.

Teams may like Jones more than those options, but the transition tag means they may negotiate a contract for Indianapolis since the Colts have the right of refusal.