Alec Pierce has quietly become one of the most explosive deep threats in the NFL-and now, as he heads into free agency, the league is paying attention.
At just 25 years old, the Indianapolis Colts wide receiver has carved out a reputation as one of the most dangerous vertical weapons in the game. He’s led the NFL in yards per reception in back-to-back seasons-22.3 in 2024, followed by 21.3 in 2025-while piling up 13 touchdowns over that span. Those aren’t just impressive numbers; they’re the kind of stats that make defensive coordinators lose sleep and front offices start crunching cap space.
Pierce’s big-play ability has never been in question. But what’s made his recent emergence even more valuable is the consistency behind the splash.
He’s not just catching the occasional bomb-he’s become a reliable part of the Colts’ offensive identity. And now, he’s about to get paid like it.
According to Spotrac, Pierce’s projected market value sits at a hefty $20.2 million per year. That would rank him sixth among all 2026 free agents and third among wide receivers, trailing only George Pickens and Jauan Jennings.
His teammate Michael Pittman Jr. summed up the situation best during the season: “If we don’t sign him quick, I mean, the price just keeps going up.”
And Pittman’s not wrong. With quarterback Daniel Jones also hitting the market, the Colts have some big decisions to make-and Pierce’s breakout couldn’t have come at a more pivotal time.
Pierce’s Stock Is Soaring
Pro Football Focus placed Pierce 10th overall in its ranking of the top 250 free agents, second among wideouts behind only Pickens. PFF projects a potential four-year deal worth up to $96 million, including $45 million guaranteed.
Those numbers reflect just how dynamic Pierce was in 2025. He finished 16th in PFF’s receiving grade (81.0) and 17th in yards per route run (2.10).
But the real eye-popper? He led the league in average depth of target (20.0) and, once again, in yards per reception (21.3).
That’s not just a guy running go routes-it’s a receiver who consistently wins deep and changes the geometry of the field.
What the Experts Are Saying
Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News ranked Pierce seventh overall among free agents, calling him “a speedy field-stretcher who keeps developing better as an intermediate route-runner.” That’s a crucial detail-Pierce isn’t just a one-trick pony anymore. He’s evolving into a more complete receiver, with the potential to be a true No. 1 option.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen echoed that sentiment, placing Pierce sixth on his list. At 6-foot-3 and 211 pounds, Pierce brings a rare combination of size and straight-line speed.
In 2025, he topped 1,000 receiving yards and scored six touchdowns. His ability to pull safeties deep opens up the middle of the field for teammates, and with more volume, he could be even more dangerous as a multilevel threat.
CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles also slotted Pierce at No. 6 and projected him to land with the Washington Commanders. According to Pereles, new head coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters are looking to get younger and faster.
Pierce checks both boxes. He became the first player since A.J.
Brown in 2019 to eclipse 1,000 yards while averaging at least 20 yards per catch. That’s elite company.
Washington isn’t the only team that could make a run, though. The Colts, Raiders, Steelers, and Bills are all mentioned as potential suitors. And with the salary cap projected to rise-estimates range from $301.2 million to $305.7 million-there will be money to spend.
Key Dates to Watch
NFL free agency officially kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on March 11, but the action starts even earlier. The league’s “legal tampering” window opens at noon ET on March 9, when teams can begin negotiating with players and agents.
That’s when we’ll likely get our first real sense of where Pierce is headed-and how aggressive the Colts plan to be in keeping him.
What’s clear right now is this: Alec Pierce has earned his spot at the top of the free-agent board. He’s not just a vertical threat anymore. He’s a game-changer, a matchup nightmare, and a player with the kind of upside that teams build around.
And with the market heating up, the clock is ticking in Indianapolis.