The Washington Commanders are heading into a pivotal offseason with two things working in their favor: a fresh coaching staff and a whole lot of cap space. New general manager Adam Peters has the resources to make a splash in free agency-but with that comes the pressure to get it right. This isn’t just about spending money; it’s about finding players who align with the franchise’s new identity under head coach Dan Quinn.
That identity is still taking shape, but the blueprint is clear: creativity on both sides of the ball, aggression in scheme, and a roster that can execute at a high level. With Daronte Jones stepping in as defensive coordinator and David Blough taking over the offense, the Commanders are banking on fresh ideas. But even the best schemes need the right personnel to bring them to life.
One name that's starting to surface in Washington’s offseason conversation is wide receiver Alec Pierce. While the spotlight has largely been on a potential pursuit of Brandon Aiyuk-especially with quarterback Jayden Daniels openly campaigning for the move-former Washington head coach Jay Gruden has thrown another name into the mix.
Gruden, speaking on 106.7 The Fan, didn’t hold back in his praise of Pierce, who could hit the open market if the Indianapolis Colts can't lock him down with a new deal.
“I love Alec Pierce. He's one of my favorites.
I think he's going to be a steal for somebody. I think he's a big-time player.
He's going to get better and better. He's still young.
He can run.”
And Gruden’s not wrong to be excited. Pierce is coming off a breakout 2025 campaign, and the timing couldn’t be better for the 6-foot-3 receiver.
He put up over 1,000 receiving yards on just 47 catches, averaging a staggering 21.3 yards per reception. That kind of vertical production doesn’t just stretch defenses-it opens up entire playbooks.
Pierce has proven he can be a legitimate deep threat, and that’s exactly the kind of weapon Jayden Daniels could use. Daniels showed flashes of big-play potential in his rookie year, but the Commanders’ receiving corps lacked a consistent downfield presence. Adding someone like Pierce would not only give Daniels a true vertical target-it would also create space for the rest of the offense to operate.
The price tag won’t be cheap. According to Spotrac, Pierce is projected to command a four-year deal worth just under $81 million, averaging a little over $20 million per season.
That number could climb even higher if multiple teams enter the fray. But with the Commanders’ current cap situation, they’re one of the few teams that could absorb a contract like that without blinking.
And let’s not overlook the age factor-Pierce will be just 26 years old when the 2026 season kicks off. That’s not just a short-term fix; that’s a long-term asset who could grow alongside Daniels and become a foundational piece of the offense.
Of course, this all hinges on whether the Colts let him walk. After a season like that, Indianapolis may very well do everything in its power to keep him. But if he does hit the market, the Commanders would be wise to make a serious push.
Whether it ends up being Pierce, Aiyuk, or another free-agent target, one thing is clear: Washington needs more firepower in the receiver room. Terry McLaurin continues to be a reliable No. 1, but the supporting cast hasn’t held up its end. For a young quarterback trying to take the next step, giving him more weapons isn’t a luxury-it’s a necessity.
Adam Peters has the money. He has a new coaching staff.
And he has a franchise quarterback looking for help. Now it’s about making the right call-because the right receiver could be the difference between another rebuilding year and a legitimate step forward in D.C.