Tyler Shough’s Emergence Could Spark Saints’ Pursuit of Alec Pierce - A Deep Threat Built for the Big Easy
The New Orleans Saints are entering the 2026 offseason with something they haven’t had in a while: real optimism at quarterback. Tyler Shough’s rookie season didn’t just turn heads - it turned the tide.
The former late-round pick played with poise, flashed a big arm, and gave the Saints a glimpse of what life could look like with a true franchise quarterback under center. Now, the question becomes: how do you build around him?
Enter Alec Pierce.
The Colts wideout is coming off a 1,000-yard season in which he led the league in yards per reception (21.3) for the second year in a row. He’s not just a burner - he’s a vertical weapon, a matchup problem, and the kind of player who can completely change the geometry of a defense. And for a Saints offense that showed promise but lacked a true field-stretcher, Pierce might be exactly what they need to take the next step.
Why Alec Pierce Makes So Much Sense for New Orleans
Let’s start with the obvious: the Saints need speed. They need someone who can force safeties to backpedal and create space underneath. Pierce does that just by stepping on the field.
The Vertical Threat is Real:
Pierce’s 21.3 yards per catch isn’t just a flashy number - it’s a warning sign for defensive coordinators.
At 6'3" with 4.41 speed, he’s a walking big play. And when you pair that with Shough’s willingness to push the ball downfield - remember, he ranked top-five in deep-ball accuracy among rookies - you’ve got the makings of a dangerous connection.
Think back to the days of Brandin Cooks or prime Michael Thomas when the Saints could stretch the field and punish defenses for playing too tight. Pierce brings that energy back.
Right Age, Right Window:
At 25, Pierce fits perfectly into the Saints’ timeline.
This isn’t a short-term rental or a veteran on the back end of his career. He’s entering his prime, and if New Orleans is serious about building around Shough, this is the type of player you lock in for the long haul.
Draft Flexibility:
Sure, the Saints hold the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 draft, and they’ve been linked to wideouts like Carnell Tate.
But Pierce is a known quantity. He’s produced at the NFL level, and signing him allows the Saints to pivot - maybe toward reinforcing the offensive line or adding a dynamic pass rusher like Peter Woods.
It’s a way to address multiple needs with one bold move.
The Roadblocks: Cap Space and Competition
Of course, it’s not as simple as signing on the dotted line. Pierce is one of the top free agents on the market - arguably the top wide receiver - and he’s going to command a hefty price.
The Price Tag:
Projections have him landing somewhere in the $28M-$30M per year range.
That’s elite money, and for a Saints team that’s once again over the cap (projected between $21M-$24M in the red), it means more financial gymnastics from GM Mickey Loomis. But if there’s one front office that’s made a habit of turning cap headaches into cap opportunities, it’s New Orleans.
Indianapolis Isn’t Letting Go Easily:
The Colts know what they have.
There’s already buzz that they’re considering using the franchise tag - projected at $28.1M - to keep Pierce in Indy. And if they retain quarterback Daniel Jones, Pierce has reportedly shown interest in staying put.
That said, money talks. And the Saints could make a compelling pitch - both financially and schematically.
Other Suitors:
New Orleans won’t be alone in this chase.
The Titans, Steelers, and Patriots all have cap space and a need at wide receiver. A bidding war is almost inevitable.
How the Saints Could Pull This Off
Despite the cap situation, the Saints have a clear path to creating space - and it wouldn’t even require anything drastic. With a few well-placed restructures, they could generate over $25M in room, enough to sign Pierce, pay the rookie class, and still have a little left in the tank.
A proposed contract structure could look something like this:
- Total Value: 4 years, $92 million
- Average Annual Value: $23 million
- Guaranteed: $58 million total, with $42 million fully guaranteed at signing
That gives Pierce immediate security - a big payday up front - while allowing the Saints to manage the cap hit in Year 1, reportedly around $7.75M. It’s a win-win.
Why This Move Makes Football Sense
This isn’t just about throwing money at a flashy name. It’s about fit.
It’s about maximizing a quarterback on a rookie deal. And it’s about giving Shough the tools he needs to succeed right now.
Pierce isn’t a guy who needs 12 targets a game to make an impact. He can change the game with three or four touches - especially when those touches come 30 yards downfield.
And with Shough’s arm talent and growing confidence, he’s not going to be running empty routes. He’ll be a focal point.
If the Saints are serious about contending in the next few years, this is the kind of swing they need to take. Shough has shown he can be the guy. Now it’s time to surround him with the right weapons - and Alec Pierce might be the most dangerous one available.