The New England Patriots are on the hunt for more firepower to support quarterback Drake Maye, but they won't be landing Alec Pierce in this year's NFL free agency. Instead, Pierce has reportedly inked a massive deal to stay with the Indianapolis Colts.
The news broke on The Pat McAfee Show, revealing that Pierce, who was the top receiver available, is sticking with the Colts on a lucrative 4-year, $116 million contract. This means the Patriots will need to explore other options to bolster their receiving corps.
As NFL free agency kicked off on Monday with the "legal tampering" period, teams began maneuvering for talent. However, official announcements will have to wait until the new league year starts on Wednesday afternoon.
Pierce, a dynamic 25-year-old receiver, has been a key player for the Colts since they drafted him out of Cincinnati in 2022. Returning to Indianapolis, where he was picked 53rd overall in the second round, Pierce continues to be a significant asset for the team.
Initially, it seemed likely that Pierce would avoid free agency altogether, with expectations that the Colts would use the franchise tag on him. However, when Indianapolis couldn't finalize a deal with quarterback Daniel Jones, they opted to use a transition tag to retain him, allowing Pierce to test the market briefly.
In 2025, Pierce showcased his abilities by playing 15 games and racking up 1,003 yards on 47 catches. His impressive average of 21.3 yards per catch and six touchdowns highlighted his status as a major downfield threat.
Meanwhile, the Patriots have been linked to wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles, though they have yet to secure a deal. As free agency unfolds, it'll be interesting to see how New England adjusts its strategy to strengthen the team around Maye.