Alec Pierce is about to hit the open market, and the timing couldn’t be better-for him, at least. The Colts’ wide receiver has quietly turned into one of the most intriguing names in this year’s free agency class, and it’s not just because he can fly. Yes, Pierce has speed to burn, but what sets him apart is that he’s finally pairing that top-end speed with real production-and that’s a rare combo when it comes to free-agent wideouts.
Over the past two seasons, Pierce has led the entire NFL in yards per catch. That’s not a fluke.
That’s a receiver who consistently stretches the field and makes defenses pay deep. And in 2025, he broke through the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career-another milestone that reinforces his growth from a one-trick deep threat to a more complete offensive weapon.
What’s changed? The Colts have expanded his role, and Pierce has responded.
He’s no longer just running go routes and clearing out safeties. He’s running a more diverse route tree, attacking all levels of the field, and becoming a more integral part of the passing game.
That evolution is what’s making NFL front offices take notice.
So, what kind of contract could Pierce command this offseason? According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, the number could be eye-popping.
“I don't think it's wild at all to suggest that Pierce could be looking at something in the ballpark of $30 million per year in free agency,” Barnwell wrote. “I would expect his asking price to be a minimum of $62 million guaranteed over the first two seasons. That's a lot of money for a player who hasn't profiled as a No. 1 receiver over his career, but true top-end speed is hard to come by.”
That’s a serious payday-especially for a player who, to this point, hasn’t been a traditional WR1. But Barnwell’s right: speed like Pierce’s doesn’t grow on trees. And when you combine that speed with a growing skill set and real production, you’ve got a player who’s going to get paid.
For the Colts, this presents a real challenge. Pierce isn’t just another receiver in their offense-he’s a unique piece.
There’s no one else on the roster who can do what he does. And if he’s not on the field, the ripple effect could be significant.
Without Pierce’s vertical threat, defenses can afford to play closer to the line of scrimmage. That tightens up throwing lanes for short and intermediate routes and makes life harder for the run game. In short, Pierce’s presence forces defenses to stay honest-and that opens things up for everyone else.
So while the price tag might seem steep, the Colts may not have much of a choice. Letting Pierce walk could mean more than just losing a big-play receiver-it could mean reshaping the way opposing defenses attack their entire offense.
Pierce has earned this moment. Now it’s up to the Colts to decide if they’re willing to pay to keep their offense stretching the field.