The Denver Broncos came within striking distance of a Super Bowl berth this past season, only to see their hopes dashed in the AFC Championship after Bo Nix went down with an injury. It was a tough pill to swallow for a team that had found its rhythm at just the right time. But now, as we shift into offseason mode, the focus turns to how Denver can take that next step-and the answer starts with giving their young quarterback more help on the outside.
Courtland Sutton has been the go-to guy, no question. He’s been Nix’s safety blanket, red-zone threat, and big-play option all rolled into one.
But asking one receiver to carry the bulk of the workload in today’s NFL just isn’t sustainable, especially deep into the playoffs. Defenses adjust, coverage tightens, and without a viable second option, the offense can get predictable.
That’s why the Broncos’ top offseason priority is crystal clear: find a legitimate WR2 to pair with Sutton.
Enter Alec Pierce.
According to ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, Denver could be eyeing the Colts’ wideout in free agency. And on paper, Pierce checks a lot of boxes for Sean Payton’s offense and Nix’s skill set.
He’s a big-bodied receiver who thrives in contested catch situations and isn’t afraid to get physical in the run game. That’s the kind of toughness Denver needs-someone who can win 50/50 balls downfield, block on the perimeter, and complement Sutton’s route-running and explosiveness.
Pierce isn’t just a stylistic fit; he’s a strategic one. His presence would force defenses to respect both sides of the field, potentially opening up more single coverage for Sutton and giving Nix more flexibility in his progressions. That kind of balance is what separates good offenses from great ones.
Financially, the move is within reach. Spotrac pegs Pierce’s market value at $20.2 million annually-not exactly bargain-bin pricing, but far from cap-crippling, especially for a team with a young quarterback on a rookie deal. That kind of flexibility gives Denver the chance to be aggressive in free agency without mortgaging the future.
Let’s not forget, the Broncos were right there in 2025. Even with a limited receiving corps and a rookie quarterback, they made it to the doorstep of the Super Bowl. Add Pierce into the mix, and suddenly you’re looking at a much more dynamic offense-one that can stretch the field, dictate matchups, and keep defenses guessing.
If Denver can land their WR2 this offseason, the rest of the AFC should take notice. Because with a healthy Bo Nix, a true one-two punch at receiver, and Sean Payton calling the shots, the Broncos could be poised to make another serious run.