Alec Pierce is about to have a big decision to make-and so are the Indianapolis Colts.
After a breakout season that saw him lead the league in yards per catch for the second straight year and crack the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career, the 24-year-old wide receiver is hitting free agency at just the right time. And while the Colts would love to keep him in Indy, there’s growing buzz that another AFC team might come calling.
One analyst sees the Las Vegas Raiders as a strong potential landing spot for Pierce-and on paper, it makes a lot of sense. The Raiders are coming off a tough 2025 season, but they’re heading into 2026 with a treasure chest of resources: the No. 1 overall pick and the second-most salary cap space in the league.
That’s a rare combination of draft capital and financial flexibility. It also means they can be aggressive on the open market, and Pierce fits the mold of the kind of playmaker who could help reshape an offense.
Let’s be clear: Pierce isn’t just a deep-ball specialist anymore. Sure, the vertical threat is still very much part of his game-his ability to stretch the field forces defenses to account for him on every snap-but he’s evolved into a more complete receiver.
Colts GM Chris Ballard has pointed out how Pierce has worked to expand his route tree and become more dangerous at all three levels. That’s the kind of growth that doesn’t always show up in the box score but makes a huge difference on film.
And it’s not just about what he does with the ball. Pierce’s presence on the outside opens things up for his teammates.
Safeties have to stay honest. Corners can’t cheat inside.
That spacing is gold for offensive coordinators. And when the Colts needed a big play in crunch time, Pierce was often the guy they looked to.
He’s earned that trust.
Now, he’s earned a payday, too.
The Colts have a decision to make. Ballard knows what Pierce brings to the table, and there's no doubt they'd prefer to keep him in the fold. But with teams like the Raiders lurking-and with the kind of cap space that can turn heads-this could be one of the more intriguing free agency storylines to watch this offseason.
Pierce has put himself in a strong position. Whether he stays in Indianapolis or heads to a new home like Las Vegas, he’s going to be a key piece of someone’s offense in 2026.