Alec Pierce is about to become one of the most intriguing names on the free agent wide receiver market - and two teams in particular, the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers, should be paying close attention.
Coming off a breakout 2025 campaign, the 25-year-old wideout posted career highs across the board: 47 catches, 1,003 yards, and six touchdowns. But it’s not just the raw numbers that jump off the page - it’s how he got there.
Pierce led the NFL in yards per reception (21.3) for the second straight year, a stat that tells you everything you need to know about his game-breaking ability. He’s a vertical threat in every sense of the word, and at 6-foot-3, he brings the kind of size and speed combo that defensive coordinators lose sleep over.
Both the Broncos and Steelers already have their WR1s in place. Courtland Sutton continues to be a steady, high-level presence in Denver, and when DK Metcalf is locked in and healthy, he’s one of the most physically dominant receivers in football. But what both teams lack is that reliable No. 2 option - someone who can stretch the field, take pressure off the top guy, and force defenses to respect both sides of the formation.
That’s where Pierce fits in perfectly.
He’s not a finished product yet - consistency has been a work in progress - but his upside is undeniable. He’s the kind of player who can flip a game with one play, and in today’s NFL, that kind of explosiveness is worth its weight in gold. Whether it’s attacking downfield on play-action or winning contested catches along the sideline, Pierce has the tools to be a dynamic complement in a pass-heavy league.
Financially, Pierce is expected to command a significant deal - reportedly in the range of four years, $94 million. That puts him right in line with top-tier wideouts, and it’s a reflection of both his production and potential. It’s also a price tag that suggests he won’t be a secondary target for long - wherever he lands, he’s likely to be a key piece of the offensive game plan.
The Steelers are projected to have more cap space than the Broncos, which could give them a slight edge in the bidding war. But both teams have the financial flexibility to make a serious run at him. And given their current roster constructions - strong WR1s, young quarterbacks, and a need for more firepower - the fit makes sense on both sides.
If the Colts decide not to bring Pierce back, expect a competitive market to form quickly. And don’t be surprised if Denver and Pittsburgh are leading the charge. For teams looking to take the next step offensively, adding a vertical threat like Pierce could be the move that changes everything.