Offseason Buzz: Colts Focus on Alec Pierce, Jaguars Rally Around Travis Hunter, and Klint Kubiak Heads to Vegas
As the NFL offseason kicks into gear, a few key storylines are already shaping how teams are preparing for 2026. From contract priorities in Indianapolis to injury setbacks in Jacksonville and a coaching transition in Las Vegas, here’s a look at what’s happening behind the scenes.
Colts Prioritizing Alec Pierce After Daniel Jones
With quarterback Daniel Jones already established as the top offseason priority, the Colts are turning their attention to wide receiver Alec Pierce. According to league reports, Indianapolis is weighing all options to keep Pierce in-house - including the possibility of using the franchise tag if negotiations don’t progress.
This move would signal just how much the Colts value Pierce’s role in their offense. While his numbers haven’t always jumped off the stat sheet, Pierce has carved out a niche as a reliable deep threat and physical presence on the outside. His chemistry with Jones, particularly on intermediate routes and contested catches, has quietly become a key component of the Colts’ passing game.
Locking him up would not only maintain continuity for Jones but also give the Colts a chance to build around a young core that’s shown flashes of potential. If they do opt for the franchise tag, it’s a clear sign they’re not willing to risk losing a piece they believe can help elevate the offense in 2026 and beyond.
Jaguars Staying Positive After Travis Hunter Injury
Down in Jacksonville, optimism remains high despite a tough blow. Second overall pick Travis Hunter suffered a practice injury during the team’s bye week - a frustrating moment considering he was coming off a breakout 100-yard performance just days earlier.
Head coach Liam Coen addressed the situation with a mix of honesty and hope, calling it “a minor setback for a major comeback.” Coen emphasized that the team had been flexible in how they used Hunter - toggling between offense and defense - and that the injury gives them a chance to re-evaluate his role heading into the spring.
Coen didn’t sugarcoat the frustration of losing such a dynamic player at a pivotal time, but he made it clear that Hunter’s mindset and work ethic give the team every reason to believe he’ll return stronger.
“He’s the type of dude that will get better from this,” Coen said - and if you’ve watched Hunter’s college tape or his early flashes in the league, you know that’s not just coach speak. The Jaguars are banking on his resilience, and if he bounces back the way they expect, he’ll remain a cornerstone of their evolving identity on both sides of the ball.
Klint Kubiak Ready to Lead the Raiders
Fresh off a Super Bowl victory with the Seahawks, offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is officially heading to Las Vegas to take the reins as the Raiders’ new head coach - and he’s not hiding his excitement.
“You guys know I’m going to Las Vegas,” Kubiak said after the win. “I’m fired up about it.”
There’s always a unique energy when a coach leaves a championship team to take on a new challenge, and Kubiak is no exception. He’s stepping into a Raiders franchise that’s hungry for stability and a fresh vision - and based on early reactions from players he’s coached, he’s bringing both.
Seahawks wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba had nothing but praise for Kubiak, calling him “unbelievable” and highlighting the personal connection they built this season.
“Man, they’re getting someone special,” Smith-Njigba said. “Someone who knows the game, someone who’s going to do whatever it takes to win.”
That’s the kind of endorsement that carries weight - especially from a young receiver who blossomed under Kubiak’s system. Now, the question becomes how quickly Kubiak can bring that same level of connection and offensive creativity to a Raiders team that’s been searching for both.
Bottom Line
Whether it’s the Colts locking in key offensive pieces, the Jaguars rallying around a young star, or the Raiders welcoming a fresh voice in the locker room, these offseason moves are more than just transactions - they’re early signals of how these franchises plan to evolve. And as we’ve learned time and time again, the decisions made in February often shape the storylines of September.