The Indianapolis Colts are heading into a pivotal offseason, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Two major gambles didn’t pay off in 2025, and now the team finds itself without a first-round draft pick-hardly ideal for a franchise trying to build around a young core. But that’s just the beginning of the challenges facing Indy this spring.
The free agency outlook is where things start to get really complicated. Several key contributors could be headed out the door, including quarterback Daniel Jones, safety Nick Cross, and edge rusher Kwity Paye. But the name that looms largest is wide receiver Alec Pierce-coming off a breakout season and potentially pricing himself out of Indianapolis.
Alec Pierce: Breakout Star, Potential Departure
Pierce flashed promise in 2024, but 2025 was when he truly arrived. He became a reliable deep threat, a physical presence on the outside, and a go-to target in big moments.
He didn’t just make plays-he made statements. And the rest of the league took notice.
Now, the buzz around his future is growing louder. There’s already speculation that Pierce could land with the Denver Broncos, a team coming off a strong 2025 campaign and looking to solidify their receiving corps. Denver made it all the way to the AFC Championship Game without Bo Nix under center, but with Nix expected to take the reins moving forward, the Broncos are in the market for a receiver who can grow alongside him.
According to reports, Pierce could be exactly what Denver needs: a big-bodied, physical wideout who can block, win contested catches, and stretch the field. That’s a skill set tailor-made for Sean Payton’s offense and a young quarterback like Nix, who thrives when he has a reliable target outside the numbers.
The Colts’ Dilemma: Pierce or Pittman?
Here’s where things get tricky for Indianapolis. The Colts may not have the cap flexibility to keep both Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr.-and that’s a brutal spot to be in. Pittman has been a cornerstone of the offense for years, but Pierce’s rise makes this a real debate inside the front office.
If the Colts decide to move on from Pittman, they could open up enough space to retain Pierce. But that’s not the only factor at play.
Even if Indy clears the room, there’s no guarantee Pierce would want to stay. With Denver potentially offering a clearer path to contention and a more stable quarterback situation, the allure of starting fresh in the Mile High City could be hard to pass up.
Jones’ Recovery Adds Another Layer
Then there’s the quarterback situation. If Daniel Jones returns in 2026, he’ll be coming off an Achilles injury-a tough road for any player, let alone a QB who relies on mobility and timing.
That makes retaining Pierce even more critical. A recovering quarterback needs weapons, and Pierce has proven he can be that safety valve, that contested-catch guy who can bail out a play when things break down.
If it comes down to choosing between Pittman and Pierce, and the Colts believe Jones can still be their guy, keeping Pierce might be the more strategic move. He’s younger, ascending, and fits the mold of a modern WR1. But again, that all hinges on whether Pierce wants to stay-and whether the Colts can make the numbers work.
What’s Next for Indy?
This offseason will test the Colts’ front office in a major way. They’re without a top draft pick, facing tough cap decisions, and trying to hold onto a rising star while navigating uncertainty at quarterback. It’s the kind of offseason that can define a franchise’s trajectory for years to come.
If they can find a way to keep Pierce in blue and white, it’ll be a huge win. But if he walks-especially to a conference rival like Denver-it could be a loss that lingers well beyond 2026.