Alec Pierce rumor is good for Colts, bad for Giants, Steelers, Raiders and Broncos

Feb 27, 2026 - 22:00

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Alec Pierce rumor is good for Colts, bad for Giants, Steelers, Raiders and Broncos originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Wide receiver and Indianapolis Colts pending free agent Alec Pierce is expected to draw significant interest on the open market this offseason.

That has basically been confirmed by Essentially Sports' Tony Pauline, who reports that Pierce is one of the hottest names being discussed at the NFL Combine.

However, Pierce may not hit the free-agent market after all, as Pauline adds the Colts want to keep him and could use the franchise tag on the 25-year-old wide receiver

"I’m told the Colts want to keep both Pierce and quarterback Daniel Jones on the roster moving forward," Pauline said. "The thinking is that the team will try to get Jones done before free agency begins, then tag Pierce and attempt to sign him to an extended deal."

Pierce is coming off a personal-best year that saw him break 1,000 yards for the first time in his career and cement himself as one of the most explosive wide receivers in the NFL.

The Colts and Pierce have expressed a mutual interest in staying together, but all bets are off if Pierce hits free agency and attracts the kind of attention we're expecting.

The New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos are four of many teams that would likely have Pierce on their radar in free agency.

The Giants, Steelers and Broncos all veteran No. 2 behind their No. 1 wideouts, while the Raiders don't have a No. 1 and desperately need depth at the position.

But if the Colts slap the franchise tag on Pierce, which would cost nearly $29 million, that would prevent the explosive wide receiver from hitting the open market and possibly leaving Indy.

Ultimately, we believe the Colts will cut Michael Pittman Jr. and keep Pierce, whether that be with a long-term extension or with the franchise tag.