Colts Extend Alec Pierce, Leaving Other Teams Scrambling for WR Help

Colts' Alec Pierce (Image: Colts)

Alec Pierce has agreed to an extension with the Indianapolis Colts.

Pierce is expected to sign a four-year, $116 million contract with the Colts. Pierce was widely considered the best free agent in this free agency class and was off the board just hours after the legal tampering period started.

Pierce is coming off a career year where he had 1,003 receiving yards in 15 games.

The Colts drafted Pierce in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He played in 16 games in his rookie season and had 593 receiving yards.

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In 2024, he found his niche as a deep threat. Pierce led the league in yards per reception with 22.

A big reason for Pierce’s career year was the addition of Daniel Jones at quarterback. Jones showed improvement in several areas, including a career-high in yards per attempt with 8.1. The Colts were 8-5 with Jones before he tore his Achilles.

Jones is currently a free agent. The Colts have expressed interest in bringing him back. Backup QB Anthony Richardson is currently seeking a trade from the team.

The New England Patriots were expected to pursue Pierce. They released Stefon Diggs earlier in the offseason.

The Patriots didn’t completely miss out in free agency, though, as they signed Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year contract.

For the Patriots or any other team in need of a wide receiver, there are still plenty of options left. Tyreek Hill is probably the most notable. He’s just three seasons removed from leading the league in receiving yards, but has dealt with injury and rapid decline. Romeo Doubs is generally considered the best free agent WR left. Doubs had 724 yards for the Green Bay Packers in 2025.

Pierce and the Colts will officially sign the contract on March 11.